Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Rife \Rife\, a. [AS. r[=i]f abundant, or Icel. r[=i]fr
   munificent; akin to OD. riff, rijve, abundant.]
   1. Prevailing; prevalent; abounding.

            Before the plague of London, inflammations of the
            lungs were rife and mortal.           --Arbuthnot.

            Even now the tumult of loud mirth Was rife, and
            perfect in may listening ear.         --Milton.

   2. Having power; active; nimble. [Obs.]

            What! I am rife a little yet.         --J. Webster.
      -- {Rife"ly}, adv. -- {Rife"ness}, n.

Source : WordNet®

rife
     adj 1: encountered generally especially at the present time; "the
            prevailing opinion was that a trade war could be
            averted"; "the most prevalent religion in our area";
            "speculation concerning the books author was rife"
            [syn: {prevailing}, {prevalent}]
     2: excessively abundant [syn: {overabundant}, {plethoric}]