dexter

¹

[ dek-ster ]

adjective

1. on the right side; right.
2. noting the side of a heraldic shield that is to the right of one who bears it ( sinister ).

Dexter

²

[ dek-ster ]

noun

1. Also Dex·ter-Ker·ry [] one of a breed of small, hardy, usually black dual-purpose cattle, derived from the Kerry breed of Ireland.
2. a male given name.

dexter

¹

/ ˈdɛkstə /

adjective

1. archaic.
   of or located on the right side
2. usually postpositive heraldry of, on, or starting from the right side of a shield from the bearer's point of view and therefore on the spectator's left

Dexter

²

/ ˈdɛkstə /

noun

1. DexterJohn19251990MBritishTHEATRE: actorTHEATRE: theatre director John. 1925–90, British actor and theatre director

dexter

³

/ ˈdɛkstə /

noun

1. a small breed of red or black beef cattle, originally from Ireland

Word History and Origins

Origin of dexter¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin: “right-hand,” also “favorable, right, skillful”; akin to Gothic taihswa, Old Irish dess, Greek dexiós, Lithuanian dẽ šinas, Sanskrit dakṣina

Word History and Origins

Origin of dexter¹

C16: from Latin; compare Greek dexios on the right hand

Origin of dexter²

C19: perhaps from the surname of the original breeder

Example Sentences

It was a long, vaulted arcade that overlooked the garden from the dexter arm of the citadel, and was where dinner would soon be laid out for the five of them.

From Literature

Parted shields came into common use from the reign of Edward II., and the rule is established that the husband’s arms should take the dexter side.

From Project Gutenberg

It crosses the field diagonally from the dexter chief to the sinister base.

From Project Gutenberg

Grand Marshal,   At the base of the shield a cloud,from the dexter side of which proceeds a hand holding asword in pale, and from the sinister, another hand holdinga baton of office.

From Project Gutenberg

"Agincourt" is inscribed under their coat of arms; their crest is "a dexter arm couped below the elbow, vested argent, and grasping a club or, and over it the motto Frappe fort."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• benevolent
• encouraging
• favorable