That ripens, matures, or comes into growth early in the growing season; = early, adj. 3. Also figurative and in figurative contexts. Cf. hasting, adj.…

ripening or ripened early.

Of fruit: ripening unusually early.

Ripe, mature, esp. before the proper season. Obsolete. rare.

Of a flower, fruit, etc.: growing, blooming, or ripening early in the year. Cf. rathe-ripe, adj.

Of a variety of fruit or vegetable: that ripens, matures, or comes into growth early in the growing season. Cf. hasty, adj. 2, hastive, adj. 3b. Obs…

Of fruits, grain, etc.: coming early to maturity; ripening early in the year. Now historical.

Of a plant: flowering, fruiting, etc., unusually early; spec. producing flowers before the leaves are developed. Also: (of flowers or fruit)…

Of a plant, esp. a tulip: flowering unusually early; contrasted with serotine. Of a fruit: ripening early.

Esp. of grains, fruit, or vegetables: coming early to maturity; ripening early in the year. Also in extended use.

Of a variety of fruit or vegetable: that ripens, matures, or comes into growth early in the growing season. Cf. hasty, adj. 2, hasting, adj. 2.

Of a fruit or crop: prematurely or artificially ripened.