a. [ F., p. pr. of ramper to creep. See Ramp, v. ] 1. Ramping; leaping; springing; rearing upon the hind legs; hence, raging; furious. [ 1913 Webster ] The fierce lion in his kind Which goeth rampant after his prey. Gower. [ 1913 Webster ] [ The ] lion . . . rampant shakes his brinded mane. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Ascending; climbing; rank in growth; exuberant. [ 1913 Webster ] The rampant stalk is of unusual altitude. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Her.) Rising with fore paws in the air as if attacking; -- said of a beast of prey, especially a lion. The right fore leg and right hind leg should be raised higher than the left. [ 1913 Webster ] Rampant arch. (a) An arch which has one abutment higher than the other. (b) Same as Rampant vault, below. -- Rampant gardant (Her.), rampant, but with the face turned to the front. -- Rampant regardant, rampant, but looking backward. -- Rampant vault (Arch.), a continuous wagon vault, or cradle vault, whose two abutments are located on an inclined plane, such as the vault supporting a stairway, or forming the ceiling of a stairway. [ 1913 Webster ]
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