precip

n. [ F. précipice, L. praecipitium, fr. praeceps, -cipitis, headlong; prae before + caput, capitis, the head. See Pre-, and Chief. ] 1. A sudden or headlong fall. [ Obs. ] Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A headlong steep; a very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging place; an abrupt declivity; a cliff. [ 1913 Webster ]

Where wealth like fruit on precipices grew. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. praecipiens, p. pr. See Precept. ] Commanding; directing. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality or state of being precipitable. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being precipitated, or cast to the bottom, as a substance in solution. See Precipitate, n. (Chem.) [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } n. [ From Precipitant. ] The quality or state of being precipitant, or precipitate; headlong hurry; excessive or rash haste in resolving, forming an opinion, or executing a purpose; precipitation; as, the precipitancy of youth. “Precipitance of judgment.” I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Chem.) Any force or reagent which causes the formation of a precipitate. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. praecipitans, -antis, p. pr. of praecipitare: cf. F. précipitant. See Precipitate. ] 1. Falling or rushing headlong; rushing swiftly, violently, or recklessly; moving precipitately. [ 1913 Webster ]

They leave their little lives
Above the clouds, precipitant to earth. J. Philips. [ 1913 Webster ]

Should he return, that troop so blithe and bold,
Precipitant in fear would wing their flight. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Unexpectedly or foolishly brought on or hastened; rashly hurried; hasty; sudden; reckless. Jer. Taylor. “Precipitant rebellion.” Eikon Basilike. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. With rash or foolish haste; in headlong manner. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]