Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

spriest

[sprahy-ist]
adjective
  1. a superlative of spry.
Show More

spry

[sprahy]
adjective, spry·er, spry·est or spri·er, spri·est.
  1. active; nimble; agile; energetic; brisk.
Show More

Origin of spry

First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain
Related formsspry·ly, adverbspry·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for spriest

energetic, agile, brisk, lithe, robust, sprightly, alert, fleet, healthy, nimble, prompt, quick, ready, sound, spirited, supple, vigorous, rocking

Examples from the Web for spriest

Historical Examples of spriest

  • They say that you're a great jumper—the spriest jumper in all Pleasant Valley.

    The Tale of Kiddie Katydid

    Arthur Scott Bailey

British Dictionary definitions for spriest

spry

adjective spryer, spryest, sprier or spriest
  1. active and brisk; nimble
Show More
Derived Formsspryly, adverbspryness, noun

Word Origin for spry

C18: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dialect spragg sprig
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for spriest

spry

adj.

1746, dialectal, perhaps a shortening and alteration of sprightly, or from a Scandinavian source (cf. Old Norse sprækr, dialectal Swedish sprygg "brisk, active"), from Proto-Germanic *sprek-, from PIE *(s)preg- "to jerk, scatter" (see sparse).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper