Dex*ter"i*ty (?), n. [L. dexteritas, fr. dexter: cf. F. dext'erit'e. 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.
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.
Syn. -- Adroitness; activity; nimbleness; expertness; skill; cleverness; art; ability; address; tact; facility; aptness; aptitude; faculty. See Skill.
© Webster 1913. | 
