nimble-fingeredadj.
/ˌnɪmblˈfɪŋɡəd/, U.S. /ˈnɪmb(ə)lˌfɪŋɡərd/ Quick and dexterous with one's fingers; light-fingered.
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the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > having or characterized by bodily skill > skilled with hands
handya1525
fine-fingeredc1555
sure-handed1555
nimble-fingered1629
neat-fingered1641
neat-handed1645
sleight-hand1792
1629 F. Quarles Argalus & Parthenia i. 44 The nimble fingerd Lasse Tooke the forg'd letter.
1690 J. Dryden Amphitryon i. i. 5 O, my nimble finger'd God of Theft, what make you here on Earth..?
1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. vi. 7 He..is as nimble-fingered as a Juggler.
1773 Gentleman's Mag. 43 593 It should seem..that there are nimble-fingered ladies in all parts of the world.
1830 J. Bentham Extract Constit. Code 65 in Official Aptitude Maximized Too simple to present any demand for instruction in the nimble-fingered art.
1875 A. Trollope Prime Minister (1876) I. xx. 336 Sir Orlando had been one of the most nimble-fingered of the thieves.
1920 C. M. Doughty Mansoul i. 7 Nimble-fingered, multipresent Goddess..continually weaves.
1986 News (Portsmouth) 11 Sept. 19/2 Applicants must be nimble-fingered with good eyesight.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1629