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ramp

1. To spring; to leap; to bound; to rear; to prance; to become rampant; hence, to frolic; to romp.

2. 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)

3. 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)

Origin: F. Ramper to creep, OF, to climb; of German origin; cf. G. Raffen to snatch, LG. & D. Rapen. See Rap to snatch, and cf. Romp.

1. A leap; a spring; a hostile advance. The bold Ascalonite Fled from his lion ramp. (milton)

2. A highwayman; a robber.

3. A romping woman; a prostitute.

4. [F. Rampe.

Any sloping member, other than a purely constructional one, such as a continuous parapet to a staircase. A short bend, slope, or curve, where a hand rail or cap changes its direction.

5. [F. Rampe.

An inclined plane serving as a communication between different interior levels.