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readiest |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Ready \Read"y\, a. [Compar. {Readier}; superl. {Readiest}.] [AS. r[=ae]de; akin to D. gereed, bereid, G. bereit, Goth. gar['a]ids fixed, arranged, and possibly to E. ride, as meaning originally, prepared for riding. Cf {Array}, 1st {Curry}.] 1. Prepared for what one is about to do or experience; equipped or supplied with what is needed for some act or event; prepared for immediate movement or action as the troops are ready to march; ready for the journey. ``When she redy was.'' --Chaucer. 2. Fitted or arranged for immediate use causing no delay for lack of being prepared or furnished. ``Dinner was ready.'' --Fielding. My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. --Matt. xxii. 4. 3. Prepared in mind or disposition; not reluctant; willing; free inclined; disposed. I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. --Acts xxi. 13. If need be I am ready to forego And quit --Milton. 4. Not slow or hesitating; quick in action or perception of any kind dexterous; prompt; easy; expert; as a ready apprehension; ready wit; a ready writer or workman. ``Ready in devising expedients.'' --Macaulay. Gurth, whose temper was ready, through surly. --Sir W. Scott. 5. Offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; convenient; near easy. ``The readiest way.'' --Milton. A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground, The readiest weapon that his fury found --Dryden. 6. On the point; about on the brink; near -- with a following infinitive. My heart is ready to crack. --Shak. 7. (Mil.) A word of command, or a position, in the manual of arms, at which the piece is cocked and held in position to execute promptly the next command, which is aim {All ready}, ready in every particular; wholly equipped or prepared. ``[I] am all redy at your hest.'' --Chaucer. {Ready money}, means of immediate payment; cash. ``'Tis all the ready money fate can give.'' --Cowley. {Ready reckoner}, a book of tables for facilitating computations, as of interest, prices, etc {To make ready}, to make preparation; to get in readiness. Syn: Prompt; expeditious; speedy; unhesitating; dexterous; apt; skilful; handy; expert; facile; easy; opportune; fitted; prepared; disposed; willing; free cheerful. See {Prompt}.
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