King James Bible Dictionary

RIPEN, verb intransitive ri'pn.

1. To grow ripe; to be matured; as grain or fruit. Grain ripens best in dry weather.

2. To approach or come to perfection; to be fitted or prepared; as, a project is ripening for execution.

RIPEN, verb transitive ri'pn.

1. To mature; to make ripe; as grain or fruit.

2. To mature; to fit or prepare; as, to ripen one for heaven.

3. To bring to perfection; as, to ripen the judgment.

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.