from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Nimble \Nim"ble\ (n[i^]m"b'l), a. [Compar. {Nimbler}
(n[i^]m"bl[~e]r); superl. {Nimblest} (n[i^]m"bl[e^]st).] [OE.
nimel, prob. orig., quick at seizing, fr. nimen to take, AS.
niman; akin to D. nemen, G. nehmen, OHG. neman, Icel. nema,
Goth. nima, and prob. to Gr. ne`mein to distribute. [root] 7.
Cf. {Nomand}, {Numb}.]
Light and quick in motion; moving with ease and celerity;
lively; swift.
[1913 Webster]
Through the mid seas the nimble pinnace sails. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Nimble is sometimes used in the formation of
self-explaining compounds; as, nimble-footed,
nimble-pinioned, nimble-winged, etc.
[1913 Webster]
{Nimble Will} (Bot.), a slender, branching, American grass
({Muhlenbergia diffusa}), of some repute for grazing
purposes in the Mississippi valley.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Agile; quick; active; brisk; lively; prompt.
[1913 Webster]