RI'PENESS, noun 1. The state of being ripe or brought to that state of perfection which fits for use; maturity; as the ripeness of grain. 2. Full growth. Time which made them their fame outlive, to Cowley scarce did ripeness give. 3. Perfection; completeness; as the ripeness of virtue, wisdom or judgment. 4. Fitness; qualification. 5. Complete maturation or suppuration, as of an ulcer or abscess. 6. A state of preparation; as the ripeness of a project for execution.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI