- Ready
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Fitted or arranged for immediate use; causing no delay for lack of being prepared or furnished. ``Dinner was ready.'' --Fielding. [1913 Webster]
My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. --Matt. xxii. 4. [1913 Webster]
3. Prepared in mind or disposition; not reluctant; willing; free; inclined; disposed. [1913 Webster]
I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. --Acts xxi. 13. [1913 Webster]
If need be, I am ready to forego And quit. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
Gurth, whose temper was ready, though surly. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
5. Offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; convenient; near; easy. ``The readiest way.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]
A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground, The readiest weapon that his fury found. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
6. On the point; about; on the brink; near; -- with a following infinitive. [1913 Webster]
My heart is ready to crack. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
{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. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Prompt; expeditious; speedy; unhesitating; dexterous; apt; skillful; handy; expert; facile; easy; opportune; fitted; prepared; disposed; willing; free; cheerful. See {Prompt}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
