dexterity (deksteriti)

[= F. dextérité = Pg. dexteridade = It. desterità, use.] The proportion of left-hand drawings [of the cave-men of France) is greatly in exce of what would now be found; but there is still a distinct preponderance of the right hand, which, however originated, has sufficed to determine the universal dexterity of the whole historic period. Science, V. 460. Dexterity appears to be confined to the human race, for the monkey tribes use the right and left limbs in disc rim i nately. Lancet, IMG:content-2535.png:[blocks in formation] It is a curious fact that the spathes are rolled up indif physical supplene or adroitne in general; that readine in action which proceeds from experience or practice, united with activity or precision of motion. Dexterity of hand, even in common trades, cannot be acquired without much practice and experience. Adam Smith , Wealth of Nations, i. 10. The company being seated round the genial board, and each furnished with a fork, evinced their dexterity in launching at the fattest pieces in this mighty dish. Irving, Knickerbocker, p. 169. The Tahitians have the dexterity of amphibious animals in the water. Darwin, Voyage of Beagle, II. 184. 3. Mental adroitne or skill; cleverne ; promptne in devising expedients; quickne and skill in managing or conducting a scheme of operations. I have dispatch'd some half a Dozen Duns with as much Dexterity as a hungry Judge does Causes at Dinner-time. Congreve , Love for Love, i. 2. IMG:content-2536.png:[blocks in formation] Dampier, Voyages, I. 529. Pope. 3. Having mental adroitne or skill; ready in the use of the mental faculties; prompt in contrivance and management; clever; expert: as, a dexterous manager. The Coptis. are well acquainted with all affairs, are very dextrous at keeping accounts, which they do in a sort of Coptic characters understood by no body else. Pococke, Description of the East, I. 176. The dexterous Capuchins never choose to preach on the life and miracles of a saint, until they have awakened the devotional feelings of their auditors by exhibiting some relic of him, a thread of his garment, a lock of his hair, or a drop of his blood. Macaulay. 4. Exhibiting dexterity, in any sense; skilful; artful; clever: as, dexterous management. Cno us was also famous for its bows and arrows, and for a dextrous use of that sort of arms. Pococke , Description of the East, II. i. 256. The dexterous use of plausible topics for recommending any opinion whatever to the favor of an audience. De Quincey , Style, iv. = Syn. Expert, Skilful, etc. (see adroit ), nimble, brisk, agile. dexterously, dextrously (deks'te-rus-li, deks' trus-li), adv. With dexterity; expertly; skilfully; artfully; adroitly. and use them dexterously. The good parts he hath he will learn to shew to the full, Bacon, Advancement of Learning, i. 96. dexterousne , dextrousne (deks'te-rus-nes, deks'trus-nes), n. Dexterity; adroitne . Bai ley , 1727. dextrad (deks'trad), adv. [