spry

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

Having great power of leaping or running; nimble; active; vigorous.--Webster.


This word is much used in familiar language in New England. It is not in the English dictionaries, but Jennings notices it among the provincialisms of Somersetshire.

In a Fable by R. W. Emerson, "The Mountain and the Squirrel," Squirrel says:

If I'm not so large as you,

You are not so small as I,

And not half so spry.

She is as spry as a cricket.--Margaret, p. 58.

"How are you, Jeremiah?" "Why, I'm kinder sorter midlin', Mr. Slick, what you call considerable nimble and spry."--Sam Slick.

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