Dex*ter"i*ty (?), n. [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.
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.