Dex"ter*ous (?), a. [L. dexter. See Dexter.] [Written also dextrous.] 1. Ready and expert in the use of the body and limbs; skillful and active with the hands; handy; ready; as, a dexterous hand; a dexterous workman.

2. Skillful in contrivance; quick at inventing expedients; expert; as, a dexterous manager.

Dexterous the craving, fawning crowd to quit.

3. Done with dexterity; skillful; artful; as, dexterous management. "Dexterous sleights of hand." Trench.

Syn. -- Adroit; active; expert; skillful; clever; able; ready; apt; handy; versed.

• Skillful with one's hands.