Nimblest

1 definition found

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

  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.
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           Through the mid seas the nimble pinnace sails. --Pope.
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     Note: Nimble is sometimes used in the formation of
           self-explaining compounds; as, nimble-footed,
           nimble-pinioned, nimble-winged, etc.
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     {Nimble Will} (Bot.), a slender, branching, American grass
        ({Muhlenbergia diffusa}), of some repute for grazing
        purposes in the Mississippi valley.
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     Syn: Agile; quick; active; brisk; lively; prompt.
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