Ambidexter

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Ambidexter \Am"bi*dex"ter\, a. [LL., fr. L. ambo both + dexter
     right, dextra (sc. manus) the right hand.]
     Using both hands with equal ease. --Smollett.
     [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:



  Ambidexter \Am`bi*dex"ter\, n.
     1. A person who uses both hands with equal facility.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Hence: A double-dealer; one equally ready to act on either
        side in party disputes.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The rest are hypocrites, ambidexters, so many
              turning pictures -- a lion on one side, a lamb on
              the other.                            --Burton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Law) A juror who takes money from both parties for giving
        his verdict. --Cowell.
        [1913 Webster]

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  AMBIDEXTER. It is intended by this Latin word, to designate one who plays on
  both sides; in a legal sense it is taken for a juror or embraceor who takes
  money from the parties for giving his verdict. This is seldom or never done
  in the United States.