Edit page | Page history | Printable version

precipice

1. A sudden or headlong fall.

2. A headlong steep; a very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging place; an abrupt declivity; a cliff. Where wealth like fruit on precipices grew. (Dryden)

Origin: F. Precipice, L. Praecipitium, fr. Praeceps, -cipitis, headlong; prae = before _ caput, capitis, the head. See Pre-, and Chief.