[ripe] adj rip.er ; rip.est [ME, fr. OE ripe; akin to OE ripan, reopan to reap] (bef. 12c) 1: fully grown and developed: mature
2: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3: of advanced years: late "lived to a ~ old age"
4. a: suitable, appropriate "the time seemed ~ for the experiment" b: fully prepared: ready "the colonies were ~ for revolution"
5. a: brought by aging to full flavor or the best state: mellow "~ cheese" b: smelly, stinking
6: ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit 7: indecent "~ language" -- ripe.ly adv -- ripe.ness n