Nerv"ous (?), a. [L. nervosus sinewy, vigorous: cf. F. nerveux. See Nerve.]
1.
possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous.
"
Nervous arms."
Pope.
2.
Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a nervous writer.
3.
Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as, nervous excitement; a nervous fever.
4.
Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited; subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the nerves; easily agitated or annoyed.
Poor, weak, nervous creatures.
Cheyne.
5.
Sensitive; excitable; timid.
<-- This corresponds to two senses in MW10: easily excited = jumpy; timid, apprehensive -->
Our aristocratic class does not firmly protest against the unfair treatment of Irish Catholics, because it is nervous about the land.
M. Arnold.
Nervous fever Med., a low form of fever characterized by great disturbance of the nervous system, as evinced by delirium, or stupor, disordered sensibility, etc. -- Nervous system Anat., the specialized coordinating apparatus which endows animals with sensation and volition. In vertebrates it is often divided into three systems: the central, brain and spinal cord; the peripheral, cranial and spinal nerves; and the sympathetic. See Brain, Nerve, Spinal cord, under Spinal, and Sympathetic system, under Sympathetic, and Illust. in Appendix. -- Nervous temperament, a condition of body characterized by a general predominance of mental manifestations.
Mayne.
© Webster 1913.