Ripe (rp), a. [Compar. Riper (-r); superl. Ripest.] [AS. rpe; akin to
OS. rpi, D. rijp, G. rief, OHG. rft; cf. AS. rp harvest, rpan to reap.
Cf. Reap.] 1. Ready for reaping or gathering; having attained
perfection; mature; -- said of fruits, seeds, etc.; as, ripe grain.
So mayst thou live, till, like ripe fruit, thou drop Into thy
mother's lap.
Milton.
2. Advanced to the state of fitness for use; mellow; as, ripe cheese;
ripe wine.
3. Having attained its full development; mature; perfected; consummate.
"Ripe courage." Chaucer.
He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one.
Shak.
4. Maturated or suppurated; ready to discharge; -- said of sores,
tumors, etc.