readiest

Webster's Dictionary (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]