Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Ripper \Rip"per\, n.
   1. One who, or that which, rips; a ripping tool.

   2. A tool for trimming the edges of roofing slates.

   3. Anything huge, extreme, startling, etc. [Slang.]

Ripler \Rip"ler\, Ripper \Rip"per\, n. [Cf. {Rip} a basket, or
   {Riparian}.] (O.E. Law)
   One who brings fish from the seacoast to markets in inland
   towns. [Obs.]

         But what's the action we are for now ? Robbing a ripper
         of his fish.                             --Beau. & Fl.

Source : WordNet®

ripper
     n : a murderer who slashes the victims with a knife; "Jack the
         ripper was probably a madman"