dextrous

adj

Etymology: See dexterous.

1. Alternative spelling of dexterous.

   “The man, who with his right hand (or indeed with either, hand that by habit is the moſt dextrous) endeavours to help and aſſiſt another, exerts his whole ſtrength, and is generally enabled to compaſs his friendly deſign; or if a blow is neceſſary to be given, the dextrous hand hits the desired mark, and gives juſt the force deſigned; whereas a blow given through paſſion, with the aukwardneſs of a weak-handed ſtroke, may beat out an eye, flatten a noſe, or indeed aiming at an enemy may ſometimes hit a friend.”

   “Yet the ſubjects of the Byzantine empire were ſtill the moſt dextrous and diligent of nations;”