Pre*cip"i*tous (?), a. [L. praeceps, -cipitis: cf. OF. precipiteux. See Precipice.]
1.
Steep, like a precipice; as, a precipitous cliff or mountain.
2.
Headlong; as, precipitous fall.
3.
Hasty; rash; quick; sudden; precipitate; as, precipitous attempts. Sir T. Browne.
"Marian's low, precipitous 'Hush!'"
Mrs. Browning.
-- Pre*cip"i*tous*ly, adv. -- Pre*cip"i*tous*ness, n.
© Webster 1913.