a. [ L. flexibilis: cf. F. flexible. ] 1. Capable of being flexed or bent; admitting of being turned, bowed, or twisted, without breaking; pliable; yielding to pressure; not stiff or brittle. [ 1913 Webster ] When the splitting wind Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Willing or ready to yield to the influence of others; not invincibly rigid or obstinate; tractable; manageable; ductile; easy and compliant; wavering. [ 1913 Webster ] Phocion was a man of great severity, and no ways flexible to the will of the people. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] Women are soft, mild, pitiful, and flexible. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Capable or being adapted or molded; plastic, ; as, a flexible language. [ 1913 Webster ] This was a principle more flexible to their purpose. Rogers. Syn. -- Pliant; pliable; supple; tractable; manageable; ductile; obsequious; inconstant; wavering. -- Flex"i*ble*ness, n. -- Flex"i*bly, adv. [ 1913 Webster ] |