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ripper - What does it mean?

Definition of 'ripper'

English

Etymology 1

; originated 1605–15.

Noun

(en-noun)
  • Something that rips (something else).
  • Someone who rips (something).
  • A legislative bill or act that transfers powers of appointment from the usual holders to a chief executive or a board of officials.
  • A murderer who kills and often mutilates victims with a blade or similar sharp weapon.
  • (mining) A hook-like tool used to tear away ore, rock, etc.
  • (British|AU|slang) Something that is an excellent example of its kind.
  • * 2001 , Filton Hebbard, Memories of Kalgoorlie: Tales from the Australian Outback (page 334)
    • Martin walked around the vehicle, viewing it from all angles and giggling as he did so. “She's a ripper , Bert, a real ripper!”
  • (computing) Software that extracts content from files or storage media.
  • (agriculture) A tool or plant used to reduce soil compaction.
  • A hot dog deep-fried in oil until the casing bursts.
    • Derived terms
    * radish ripper
    References
    * * *

    Etymology 2

    Compare .

    Alternative forms

    * ripler

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • (obsolete) One who brings fish from the seacoast to markets in inland towns.
  • * Beaumont and Fletcher
    • But what's the action we are for now? Robbing a ripper of his fish.
    (Webster 1913) English agent nouns

    Similar to 'ripper'

    river, robber, rubber, reaper, reaver, rapper, raver, reefer, repair, refer, rapier, rebar, roofer, rover, riper, roper, raper, ravier, ribber, rifer, reoffer, riffier, rebear, ropier, reifier, repayer, repour, rever, reiver, ruffer, rebuyer, revver, repower