READY

Source: 566, 567

ready. Ready, a. prepared, willing, near; ad. readily

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Read″y (rĕd″y̆), a. [Compar. Readier (–ĭ‐ẽr); superl. Readiest.] [[AS. rǣde; akin to D. gereed, bereid, G. bereit, Goth. garáids fixed, arranged, and possibly to E. ride, as meaning originally, prepared for riding. Cf. Array, 1st Curry.]] 1. 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.
2. 2. Fitted or arranged for immediate use; causing no delay for lack of being prepared or furnished. “Dinner was ready.” Fielding.
My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. Matt. xxii. 4. 3. 3. Prepared in mind or disposition; not reluctant; willing; free; inclined; disposed.
I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts xxi. 13. If need be, I am ready to forego And quit. Milton. 4. 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.
Gurth, whose temper was ready, though surly. Sir W. Scott. 5. 5. Offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; convenient; near; easy. “The readiest way.” Milton.
A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground, The readiest weapon that his fury found. Dryden. 6. 6. On the point; about; on the brink; near; — with a following infinitive.
My heart is ready to crack. Shak. 7. 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.
All ready, ready in every particular; wholly equipped or prepared. “ 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. Syn. — Prompt; expeditious; speedy; unhesitating; dexterous; apt; skillful; handy; expert; facile; easy; opportune; fitted; prepared; disposed; willing; free; cheerful. See Prompt.