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}.