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Webster 1913 Edition


Able-bodied

Aˊble-bod′ied

,
Adj.
Having a sound, strong body; physically competent; robust.
Able-bodied vagrant.”
Froude.
Aˊble-bod′ied-ness
,
Noun.
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Able-bodied

A'BLE-BODIED

,
Adj.
Having a sound strong body, or a body of competent strength for service. In marine language, it denotes skill in seamanship.

Definition 2024


able-bodied

able-bodied

English

Adjective

able-bodied (comparative more able-bodied, superlative most able-bodied)

  1. Having a sound, strong body; physically competent; robust; fit for service.
    • 1893, Froude, History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Defeat of the Spanish Armada:
      A servant determinately idle, leaving his work, or an able-bodied vagrant, roaming the country without means of honest self-support and without seeking employment, was to be brought before the two nearest magistrates.
  2. (nautical) Capable of performing all requisite duties, as a seaman, specifically in the Royal Navy a rating between leading and ordinary.

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