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.
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
coördinating 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.