readiest

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.
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   2. Fitted or arranged for immediate use; causing no delay for
      lack of being prepared or furnished. "Dinner was ready."
      --Fielding.
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            My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things
            are ready: come unto the marriage.    --Matt. xxii.
                                                  4.
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   3. Prepared in mind or disposition; not reluctant; willing;
      free; inclined; disposed.
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            I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at
            Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. --Acts
                                                  xxi. 13.
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            If need be, I am ready to forego
            And quit.                             --Milton.
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   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.
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            Gurth, whose temper was ready, though surly. --Sir
                                                  W. Scott.
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   5. Offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; convenient;
      near; easy. "The readiest way." --Milton.
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            A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground,
            The readiest weapon that his fury found. --Dryden.
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   6. On the point; about; on the brink; near; -- with a
      following infinitive.
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            My heart is ready to crack.           --Shak.
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   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.
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   {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.
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   Syn: Prompt; expeditious; speedy; unhesitating; dexterous;
        apt; skillful; handy; expert; facile; easy; opportune;
        fitted; prepared; disposed; willing; free; cheerful. See
        {Prompt}.
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