a. [ L. rapidus, fr. rapere to seize and carry off, to snatch or hurry away; perhaps akin to Gr.
Ascend my chariot; guide the rapid wheels. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Occurring in rapid succession like the shots fired from a machine gun. See also machine-gun. [ PJC ]
. (Ordnance) A mount permitting easy and quick elevation or depression and training of the gun, and fitted with a device for taking up the recoil. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
n. [ L. rapiditas: cf. F. rapidité. ] The quality or state of being rapid; swiftness; celerity; velocity;
adv. In a rapid manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Quality of being rapid; rapidity. [ 1913 Webster ]
Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast,
The rapids are near, and the daylight's past. Moore. [ 1913 Webster ]