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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
|