rife Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite most frequent or common
    dominant; predominant; prevalent; prevailing.
    • prevailing winds
  2. adjective satellite excessively abundant
    overabundant; plethoric.

WordNet

Rife adjective
Etymology
AS. rif abundant, or Icel. rifr munificent; akin to OD. riff, rijve, abundant.
Definitions
  1. Prevailing; prevalent; abounding.
    Before the plague of London, inflammations of the lungs were rife and mortal. Arbuthnot.
    Even now the tumult of loud mirth Was rife, and perfect in may listening ear. Milton.
  2. Having power; active; nimble. Obs.
    What! I am rife a little yet. J. Webster.
    -- Rife"ly, adv. -- Rife"ness, n.

Webster 1913