Rank, v. i. 1. To be ranged; to be set or disposed, as in a particular
degree, class, order, or division.
Let that one article rank with the rest.
Shak.
2. To have a certain grade or degree of elevation in the orders of
civil or military life; to have a certain degree of esteem or
consideration; as, he ranks with the first class of poets; he ranks
high in public estimation.
Rank"er (-r), n. One who ranks, or disposes in ranks; one who arranges.
Ran"kle (r"k'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rankled (-k'ld); p. pr. & vb. n.
Rankling (-klng).] [From Rank, a.] 1. To become, or be, rank; to grow
rank or strong; to be inflamed; to fester; -- used literally and
figuratively.
A malady that burns and rankles inward.
Rowe.
This would have left a rankling wound in the hearts of the people.
Burke.
2. To produce a festering or inflamed effect; to cause a sore; -- used
literally and figuratively; as, a splinter rankles in the flesh; the
words rankled in his bosom.
Ran"kle (r"k'l), v. t. To cause to fester; to make sore; to inflame.
[R.] Beau. & Fl.
Rank"ly (rk"l), adv. With rank or vigorous growth; luxuriantly; hence,
coarsely; grossly; as, weeds grow rankly.
Rank"ness, n. [AS. rancness pride.] The condition or quality of being
rank.