nimbleness

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Middle English nymmylnes; equivalent to nimble +‎ -ness.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈnɪm.bəl.nɪs/
  • (file)

Noun[edit]

nimbleness (countable and uncountable, plural nimblenesses)

  1. The quality of being nimble.
    • 1535 October 14 (Gregorian calendar), Myles Coverdale, transl., Biblia: The Byble, [] (Coverdale Bible), [Cologne or Marburg: Eucharius Cervicornus and J. Soter?], →OCLC, Esay [Isaiah] xxx:[12–13], folio xi, recto, column 1:
      Therfoꝛe thus ſaieth the holy one of Iſrael: In as moch as ye haue caſt of youre bewtie, and confoꝛted youre ſelues with power and nymbleneſſe, and put youre confidence therin: therfoꝛe ſhal ye haue this myſchefe agayne foꝛ youre deſtruction and fall, like as an hie wall, that falleth becauſe of ſome rift (oꝛ blaſt,) whoſe bꝛeakinge cometh ſodenly.
    • 1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies [] (First Folio), London: [] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene iii], page 126, column 1:
      'Tis better that the Enemie ſeeke vs,
      So ſhall he waſte his meanes, weary his Souldiers,
      Doing himſelfe offence, whil'ſt we lying ſtill,
      Are full of reſt, defence, and nimbleneſſe.

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