| dexterity | 1. Right-handedness. 2. Readiness and grace in physical activity; skill and ease in using the hands; expertness in manual acts; as, dexterity with the chisel. "In youth quick bearing and dexterity." (Shak) 3. Readiness in the use or control of the mental powers; quickness and skill in managing any complicated or difficult affair; adroitness. "His wisdom . . . Was turned . . . Into a dexterity to deliver himself." (Bacon) "He had conducted his own defense with singular boldness and dexterity." (Hallam) Synonym: Adroitness, activity, nimbleness, expertness, skill, cleverness, art, ability, address, tact, facility, aptness, aptitude, faculty. See Skill. Origin: L. Dexteritas, fr. Dexter: cf. F. Dexterite. See Dexter. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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