habile
Americanadjective
adjective
-
rare skilful
-
obsolete fit
Etymology
Origin of habile
1375–1425; late Middle English habyll < Latin habilis handy, apt; see able
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was rheumy old Georges Clemenceau who first called dapper, baldish Jean Chiappe "le flic le plus habile de France," "the smartest cop in France."
From Time Magazine Archive
There is an existing record to the effect that he wrote some "window-pane" verse on the window of his private apartment to the following effect: "Souvent femme varie; Mal habile quis'y fie!"
From Castles and Chateaux of Old Touraine and the Loire Country by M. F. (Milburg Francisco) Mansfield
In this way statecraft will become necessary to them; and by degrees their ministers will become habile, graceful, adroit, and perhaps crafty, as are the ministers of other nations.
From North America — Volume 2 by Anthony Trollope
Of course Gaston was waiting to know if he could be of any use, because he said I would remember he could be a "très habile" lady's maid years ago on the Sauterelle!
From Elizabeth Visits America by Elinor Glyn
Here, he began to tuck in anew, aiding the slow work of his spoon with his more habile fingers.
From Australia Felix by Henry Handel Richardson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
