Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-CIP'I-TANT, a. [L. præcipitans, præcipito, from præceps, headlong.]

1. Falling or rushing headlong; rushing down with velocity. They leave their little lives / Above the clouds, precipitant to earth. – Philips.
2. Hasty; urged with violent haste. Should he return, that troop so blithe and bold, / Precipitant in fear, would wing their flight. – Pope.
3. Rashly hurried or hasty; as, precipitant rebellion. – K. Charles.
4. Unexpectedly brought on or hastened. – Taylor.