ready-handedness

ready-handed +‎ -ness

ready-handedness (uncountable)

1. The quality of being ready-handed; capability and preparedness.
   • 1887, Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine: Being a Continuation of the Arminian or Methodist Magazine First Published by John Wesley:

     Touching alike in contrast and in resemblance is the life-story of Jame Hannington, the incorrigible, fun-loving Oxford student; the curate winning men's hearts by his genial sympathy and ready-handedness in time of need, yet dimly conscious of his unfitness for the cure of souls, while the inward voice whispered ever more loudly: 'Mine own vineyard have I not kept.'

   • 1897, Mrs. Campbell Praed, Mrs. Tregaskiss: A Novel of Anglo-Australian Life, page 18:

     He had all the Bushman's ready-handedness, and there was just sufficient aloofness in his frank cordiality to make her feel that he would never presume upon any familiarity which circumstances might enforce.

   • 2003, Sandra Peart, W.S. Jevons: Critical Responses - Volume 1, →ISBN, page 401:

     There are a dozen kinds of skilled labour greatly more difficult, demanding, indeed, somewhat less physical exertion but far more of the superior qualities of head and ready-handedness.