Rĕad’y1, a.
(rĕd’ĭ), a. [compar. READIER; superl. READIEST.] [A.-S. rǣd, ræde, hræd, hrǣd, Icel. hraðr, Dan. rede, Sw. redo, O. D. rade, raade, N. D. gereed, bereid, L. Ger. reed, rede, gereed, N. H. Ger. bereit, Goth. garaids, fixed, arranged, ruths, easy. Cf. RATH.]
Sense 1. Prepared at the moment; not behindhand or backward when called upon; causing no delay for lack of being fitted or furnished.
My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Matt. xxii. 4.
Sense 2. 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.
Sense 3. Not slow, hesitating, or awkward; quick in action of any kind; dexterous; keen; prompt; as, a ready apprehension; ready wit; a ready writer or workman. “Gurth, whose temper was ready, though surly.” W. Scott. “Ready in devising expedients.” Macaulay.
Sense 4. Not occasioning delay; offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; near; easy. “Through the wild desert, not the readiest way.” Milton.
A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground, The readiest weapon that his fury found. Dryden.
Sense 5. On the point of; about to; on the brink; — with a following infinitive.
My heart is ready to crack. Shak.
Ready money, means of immediate payment; cash. “’Tis all the ready money fate can give.” Cowley. — To make ready, to make preparation; to get things in readiness.
Synonyms— Prompt; expeditious; speedy; unhesitating; dexterous; apt; skillful; handy; expert; facile; easy; opportune; fitted; prepared; disposed; willing; free; cheerful. See PROMPT.