ready-witted, a.
[ready a. 6 a.]
Of a ready wit or intelligence; quick of apprehension.
| 1581 G. Pettie tr. Guazzo's Civ. Conv. iii. (1586) 127 b, Manie grosse heads, by continuall studie become readie witted. 1784 Burns Ep. J. Rankine i, O rough, rude ready-witted Rankine. 1821 Scott Kenilw. xvi, Varney was as bold-faced and ready-witted as he was cunning and unscrupulous. 1869 Trollope He Knew, etc. xxxi. (1878) 175 Dorothy was not sufficiently ready-witted to see the danger of this position. |
Hence ˌready-ˈwittedness.
| 1884 Spectator 20 Dec. 1700/2 The ready-wittedness and power of observation, which makes in semi-civilized communities the successful doctor. |