Precipitous

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.