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Webster 1913 Edition

Dexterity

Dex-ter′i-ty

,
Noun.
[L.
dexteritas
, fr.
dexter
: cf. F.
dextérité
. See
Dexter
.]
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
.
Shakespeare
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.
Syn. – Adroitness; activity; nimbleness; expertness; skill; cleverness; art; ability; address; tact; facility; aptness; aptitude; faculty. See
Skill
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Dexterity

DEXTERITY

,
Noun.
[L., right, fit, prompt.]
1.
Readiness of limbs; adroitness; activity; expertness; skill; that readiness in performing an action, which proceeds from experience or practice, united with activity or quick motion. We say, a man handles an instrument, or eludes a thrust, with dexterity.
2.
Readiness of mind or mental faculties, as in contrivance, or inventing means to accomplish a purpose; promptness in devising expedients; quickness and skill in managing or conducting a scheme of operations. We say, a negotiation is conducted with dexterity.

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