Dexter

n. [ Prob. so named after the original breeder. ] One of a breed of small hardy cattle originating from the Kerry breed of Ireland, valuable both for beef and milk. They are usually chiefly black, sometimes red, and somewhat resemble a small shorthorn in build. Called also Dexter Kerry. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. Dexterous. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. dexteritas, fr. dexter: cf. F. dextérité. See Dexter. ] 1. Right-handedness. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Readiness and grace in physical activity; skill and ease in using the hands; expertness in manual acts; as, dexterity with the chisel. [ 1913 Webster ]

In youth quick bearing and dexterity. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Readiness in the use or control of the mental powers; quickness and skill in managing any complicated or difficult affair; adroitness. [ 1913 Webster ]

His wisdom . . . was turned . . . into a dexterity to deliver himself. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. dexter. See Dexter. ] [ Written also dextrous. ] 1. Ready and expert in the use of the body and limbs; skillful and active with the hands; handy; ready; as, a dexterous hand; a dexterous workman. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Skillful in contrivance; quick at inventing expedients; expert; as, a dexterous manager. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dexterous the craving, fawning crowd to quit. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Done with dexterity; skillful; artful; as, dexterous management. “Dexterous sleights of hand.” Trench.

Syn. -- Adroit; active; expert; skillful; clever; able; ready; apt; handy; versed. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a dexterous manner; skillfully. [ 1913 Webster ]