rank
UK: ræŋk | US: ræŋk
n. a position in a hierarchy or scale
n. a line or row of people or things
vt. to assign a position or status to someone/something
adj. having a strong, unpleasant smell
The word "rank" traces back to Old French ranc (line, row), likely of Germanic origin (compare Old High German hring "circle, ring"). Originally referring to a line of soldiers or objects, it later expanded to denote hierarchical position (16th century) and developed the figurative sense of "offensive smell" (16th-17th century), possibly from the idea of overgrown vegetation ("rank weeds") or unchecked growth symbolizing corruption.
He holds the rank of captain in the army.
The soldiers stood in neat ranks during the parade.
The judge will rank the performances based on skill.
The room smelled rank after weeks of neglect.
Overgrown, rank grass covered the abandoned garden.