From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Ready \Read"y\ (r[e^]d"[y^]), a. [Compar. {Readier}
(r[e^]d"[i^]*[~e]r); 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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Fitted or arranged for immediate use; causing no delay for
lack of being prepared or furnished. "Dinner was ready."
--Fielding.
[1913 Webster]
My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things
are ready: come unto the marriage. --Matt. xxii.
4.
[1913 Webster]
3. Prepared in mind or disposition; not reluctant; willing;
free; inclined; disposed.
[1913 Webster]
I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at
Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. --Acts
xxi. 13.
[1913 Webster]
If need be, I am ready to forego
And quit. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Gurth, whose temper was ready, though surly. --Sir
W. Scott.
[1913 Webster]
5. Offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; convenient;
near; easy. "The readiest way." --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground,
The readiest weapon that his fury found. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
6. On the point; about; on the brink; near; -- with a
following infinitive.
[1913 Webster]
My heart is ready to crack. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
{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. "'T is 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.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Prompt; expeditious; speedy; unhesitating; dexterous;
apt; skillful; handy; expert; facile; easy; opportune;
fitted; prepared; disposed; willing; free; cheerful. See
{Prompt}.
[1913 Webster]
|
