nervous

a. [ L. nervosus sinewy, vigorous: cf. F. nerveux. See Nerve. ] 1. Possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous. “Nervous arms.” Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a nervous writer. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as, nervous excitement; a nervous fever. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited; subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the nerves; easily agitated or annoyed. [ 1913 Webster ]

Poor, weak, nervous creatures. Cheyne. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Sensitive; excitable; timid. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Apprehensive; as, a child nervous about his mother's reaction to his bad report card. [ PJC ]

Our aristocratic class does not firmly protest against the unfair treatment of Irish Catholics, because it is nervous about the land. M. Arnold. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nervous fever (Med.), a low form of fever characterized by great disturbance of the nervous system, as evinced by delirium, or stupor, disordered sensibility, etc. --
Nervous system (Anat.), the specialized coordinating apparatus which endows animals with sensation and volition. In vertebrates it is often divided into three systems: the central, brain and spinal cord; the peripheral, cranial and spinal nerves; and the sympathetic. See Brain, Nerve, Spinal cord, under Spinal, and Sympathetic system, under Sympathetic, and Illust. in Appendix. --
Nervous temperament, a condition of body characterized by a general predominance of mental manifestations. Mayne. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a nervous manner. [ 1913 Webster ]