pre*cip"i*tous*ness
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Precipitous \Pre*cip"i*tous\, a. [L. praeceps, -cipitis: cf. OF. precipiteux. See Precipice.]
1.Steep, like a precipice; as, a precipitous cliff or mountain. [1913 Webster]
2.Headlong; as, precipitous fall. [1913 Webster]
3.Hasty; rash; quick; sudden; precipitate; as, precipitous attempts. --Sir T. Browne. "Marian's low, precipitous `Hush!'" --Mrs. Browning. [1913 Webster] -- Pre*cip"i*tous*ly, adv. -- Pre*cip"i*tous*ness, n. [1913 Webster]