Word Direct Answers

What does "ramp" mean?

Ramp: To move by leaps, or by leaps; hence, to move swiftly or with violence. Their bridles they would champ, And trampling the fine element would fiercely ramp. Spenser.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To climb, as a plant; to creep up. With claspers and tendrils, they [plants] catch hold, . . . and so ramping upon trees, they mount up to a great height. Ray.
  2. 3.A leap; a spring; a hostile advance. The bold Ascalonite Fled from his lion ramp. Milton.
  3. 4.A highwayman; a robber. [Prov. Eng.]
  4. 5.A romping woman; a prostitute. [Obs.] Lyly.
  5. 6.Etym: [F. rampe.] (Arch.) (a) Any sloping member, other than a purely constructional one, such as a continuous parapet to a staircase. (b) A short bend, slope, or curve, where a hand rail or cap changes its direction.
  6. 7.Etym: [F. rampe.] (Fort.) An inclined plane serving as a communication between different interior levels.

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