a. [ L. dexter. See Dexter. ] [ Written also dextrous. ] 1. Ready and expert in the use of the body and limbs; skillful and active with the hands; handy; ready; as, a dexterous hand; a dexterous workman. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Skillful in contrivance; quick at inventing expedients; expert; as, a dexterous manager. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dexterous the craving, fawning crowd to quit. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Done with dexterity; skillful; artful; as, dexterous management. “Dexterous sleights of hand.” Trench.

Syn. -- Adroit; active; expert; skillful; clever; able; ready; apt; handy; versed. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a dexterous manner; skillfully. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being dexterous; dexterity. [ 1913 Webster ]