How doees the word "rank" affect the term "rank novice" for motorcycle safety

[Al Schmidt]

In this motorcycle safety study, there is the term "rank novice":
http://www.nmcti.org/docs/articles/outside/Billheimer_2001.pdf

The authors define a "rank novice" as a rider who has had less (sic)
than 500 miles of riding experience before taking a motorcycle safety
class.

There entire conclusion is based on the fact that safety training
only reduces the number of accidents for the "rank novice", and,
even then, only for a period of up to one year.

That means that a "rank novice" is a key concept (for that paper).

I understand their ranking of a "novice" as someone who has fewer
than 500 miles of riding experience; but what I don't understand
is their use of the adjective "rank".

Can someone elucidate the purpose of the word "rank" in this context?

[Peter Duncanson [BrE]]

In this context "rank" is an intensifier. A "rank novice" is someone
with no worthwile experience: a complete beginner.

OED:

Used emphatically or as an intensifier: of the worst kind;
monstrous, gross. Later also in weakened use: complete and utter,
absolute.
See also rank amateur n., rank outsider n

rank amateur n. a person who is completely inexperienced or inept at
a particular activity;

rank outsider n. orig. Horse Racing an outsider at very long odds;
also in extended use.

--
Peter Duncanson, UK
(in alt.english.usage)

[Al Schmidt]

Peter Duncanson [BrE] wrote on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:14:56 +0000:
> In this context "rank" is an intensifier.

Thanks. That makes sense.

PS: Sorry for the "there" instead of "their" in my OP < embarrassed >.