alacrity

[In Fr. allegre e; Sp. and Port. clegria; Ital. all egre a, allegria, from Lat. alacritas = cheerfulne , ardour, eagerne ; alacer = cheerful, brisk.] Sprightline , vivacity, briskne , eagerne ; used especially of the cheerful ardour with which certain persons, exceptionally constituted, undertake and execute duty. "K. Rich. Give me a bowl of wine: I have not that alacrity of spirit, Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have," Shakesp .: R. Richard III., v. &. "The young nobles of his court had tried to attract his notice by exposing themselves to the hottest fire with the same gay alacrity with which they were wont to exhibit their graceful figures at his balls."Macaulay Hist . Eng ., ch. xvil