Rapid (răp&ibreve_;d), a. [L. rapidus, fr. rapere to seize and carry off, to snatch or hurry away; perhaps akin to Gr. 'arpazein: cf. F. rapide. Cf. Harpy, Ravish.]
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1. Very swift or quick; moving with celerity; fast; as, a rapid stream; a rapid flight; a rapid motion.
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Ascend my chariot; guide the rapid wheels. Milton.
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2. Advancing with haste or speed; speedy in progression; in quick sequence; as, rapid growth; rapid improvement; rapid recurrence; rapid succession.
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3. Quick in execution; as, a rapid penman.
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