from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Flexible \Flex"i*ble\, 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.
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When the splitting wind
Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks. --Shak.
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2. Willing or ready to yield to the influence of others; not
invincibly rigid or obstinate; tractable; manageable;
ductile; easy and compliant; wavering.
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Phocion was a man of great severity, and no ways
flexible to the will of the people. --Bacon.
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Women are soft, mild, pitiful, and flexible. --Shak.
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3. Capable or being adapted or molded; plastic,; as, a
flexible language.
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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.
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