Part 245

Dew"ret` (?), v. t. [Dew + ret, v. t.] To ret or rot by the process called dewretting.

Dew"ret`ting, n. Dewrotting; the process of decomposing the gummy matter of flax and hemp and setting the fibrous part, by exposure on a sward to dew, rain, and sunshine.

Dew"rot` (?), v. t. To rot, as flax or hemp, by exposure to rain, dew, and sun. See Dewretting.

Dew"worm` (?), n. (Zoöl.) See Earthworm.

Dew"y (?), a. 1. Pertaining to dew; resembling, consisting of, or moist with, dew.

A dewy mist Went and watered all the ground.

Milton.

When dewy eve her curtain draws.

Keble.

2. Falling gently and beneficently, like the dew.

Dewy sleep ambrosial.

Cowper.

3. (Bot.) Resembling a dew-covered surface; appearing as if covered with dew.

Dex"ter (?), a. [L.,; akin to Gr. &?;, &?;, Skr. dakshi&?;a (cf. daksh to be strong, suit); Goth. taihswa, OHG. zeso. Cf. Dexterous.] 1. Pertaining to, or situated on, the right hand; right, as opposed to sinister, or left.

On sounding wings a dexter eagle flew.

Pope.

2. (Her.) On the right-hand side of a shield, i. e., towards the right hand of its wearer. To a spectator in front, as in a pictorial representation, this would be the left side.

Dexter chief, or Dexter point (Her.), a point in the dexter upper corner of the shield, being in the dexter extremity of the chief, as A in the cut. -- Dexter base, a point in the dexter lower part or base of the shield, as B in the cut.

Dex*ter"i*cal (?), a. Dexterous. [Obs.]

Dex*ter"i*ty (?), n. [L. dexteritas, fr. dexter: cf. F. dextérité. See Dexter.] 1. Right-handedness.

2. Readiness and grace in physical activity; skill and ease in using the hands; expertness in manual acts; as, dexterity with the chisel.

In youth quick bearing and dexterity.

Shak.

3. Readiness in the use or control of the mental powers; quickness and skill in managing any complicated or difficult affair; adroitness.

His wisdom . . . was turned . . . into a dexterity to deliver himself.

Bacon.

He had conducted his own defense with singular boldness and dexterity.

Hallam.