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ravishing (n.)
"act of plundering or theft," especially "act of carrying off (a woman) by force, especially for the purpose of rape," early 14c., verbal noun from ravish (v.).
ravishing (adj.)
mid-14c., "ravenous;" late 14c., "enchanting, exciting rapture or ecstasy;" present-participle adjective from ravish (v.). The figurative notion is of "carrying off from earth to heaven." Related: Ravishingly.
updated on May 03, 2021
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