Dexterity \Dex*ter"i*ty\, n. [L. dexteritas, fr. dexter: cf. F. dext['e]rit['e]. 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)