Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DEX-TER'I-TY, n. [L. dexteritas, from dexter, right, fit, prompt.]

1. Readiness of limbs; adroitness; activity; expertness; skill; that readiness in performing an action, which proceeds from experience or practice, united with activity or quick motion. We say, a man handles an instrument, or eludes a thrust, with dexterity.
2. Readiness of mind or mental faculties, as in contrivance, or inventing means to accomplish a purpose; promptness in devising expedients; quickness and skill in managing or conducting a scheme of operations. We say, a negation is conducted with dexterity. – Gibbon.