Emily Dickinson Lexicon

READ-I-NESS, n. [red'iness. from ready.]

1. Quickness; promptness; promptitude; facility; freedom from hinderance or obstruction; as, readiness of speech; readiness of thought; readiness of mind in suggesting an answer; readiness of reply.
2. Promptitude; cheerfulness; willingness; alacrity; freedom from reluctance; as, to grant a request or assistance with readiness. They received the word with all readiness of mind. – Acts xvii.
3. A state of preparation; fitness of condition. The troops are in readiness.