\Read"y\, a. [Compar. {Readier}; superl. {Readiest}.] [AS.
r[=ae]de; akin to D. gereed, bereid, G. bereit, Goth.
gar['a]ids fixed, arranged, and possibly to E. ride, as
meaning originally, prepared for riding. Cf. {Array}, 1st
{Curry}.]
1. Prepared for what one is about to do or experience;
   equipped or supplied with what is needed for some act or
   event; prepared for immediate movement or action; as, the
   troops are ready to march; ready for the journey. ``When
   she redy was.'' --Chaucer.
2. Fitted or arranged for immediate use; causing no delay for
   lack of being prepared or furnished. ``Dinner was ready.''
   --Fielding.
         My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things
         are ready: come unto the marriage.    --Matt. xxii.
                                               4.
3. 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.
4. Not slow or hesitating; quick in action or perception of
   any kind; dexterous; prompt; easy; expert; as, a ready
   apprehension; ready wit; a ready writer or workman.
   ``Ready in devising expedients.'' --Macaulay.
         Gurth, whose temper was ready, through surly. --Sir
                                               W. Scott.
5. Offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; convenient;
   near; easy. ``The readiest way.'' --Milton.
         A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground, The
         readiest weapon that his fury found.  --Dryden.
6. On the point; about; on the brink; near; -- with a
   following infinitive.
         My heart is ready to crack.           --Shak.
7. (Mil.) A word of command, or a position, in the manual of
   arms, at which the piece is cocked and held in position to
   execute promptly the next command, which is, aim.
{All ready}, ready in every particular; wholly equipped or
   prepared. ``[I] am all redy at your hest.'' --Chaucer.
{Ready money}, means of immediate payment; cash. ``'Tis all
   the ready money fate can give.'' --Cowley.
{Ready reckoner}, a book of tables for facilitating
   computations, as of interest, prices, etc.
{To make ready}, to make preparation; to get in readiness.
Syn: Prompt; expeditious; speedy; unhesitating; dexterous;
     apt; skilful; handy; expert; facile; easy; opportune;
     fitted; prepared; disposed; willing; free; cheerful. See
     {Prompt}.

\Read"y\, adv.
In a state of preparation for immediate action; so as to need
no delay.
      We ourselves will go ready armed.        --Num. xxxii.
                                               17.

\Read"y\, n.
Ready money; cash; -- commonly with the; as, he was supplied
with the ready. [Slang]
      Lord Strut was not flush in ready, either to go to law,
      or to clear old debts.                   --Arbuthnot.

\Read"y\, v. t.
To dispose in order. [Obs.] --Heywood.