4. [F. rampe.] (Arch.) (a) Any sloping member, other than a purely
constructional one, such as a continuous parapet to a staircase. (b) A
short bend, slope, or curve, where a hand rail or cap changes its
direction.
5. [F. rampe.] (Fort.) An inclined plane serving as a communication
between different interior levels.
Ram*pa"cious (rm*p"shs), a. High-spirited; rampageous. [Slang] Dickens.
Ramp"age (rmp"j; 48), n. [See Ramp, v.] Violent or riotous behavior; a
state of excitement, passion, or debauchery; as, to be on the rampage.
[Prov. or Low] Dickens.
Ramp"age, v. i. To leap or prance about, as an animal; to be violent;
to rage. [Prov. or Low]
Ram*pa"geous (rm*p"js), a. Characterized by violence and passion;
unruly; rampant. [Prov. or Low]
In the primitive ages of a rampageous antiquity.
Galt.
Ram*pal"lian (-pl"yan), n. [Cf. ramp a prostitute, or rabble.] A mean
wretch. [Obs.] Shak.
Ramp"an*cy (rmp"an*s), n. The quality or state of being rampant;
excessive action or development; exuberance; extravagance. "They are
come to this height and rampancy of vice." South.
Ramp"ant (rmp"ant), a. [F., p. pr. of ramper to creep. See Ramp, v.] 1.
Ramping; leaping; springing; rearing upon the hind legs; hence, raging;
furious.
The fierce lion in his kind Which goeth rampant after his prey.
Gower.
[The] lion . . . rampant shakes his brinded mane.
Milton.