adj., adv., n., & v.
adj. (readier, readiest) (usu. predic.) 1 with preparations complete (dinner is ready). 2 in a fit state (are you ready to go?). 3 willing, inclined, or resolved (he is always ready to complain; I am ready for anything). 4 within reach; easily secured (a ready source of income). 5 fit for immediate use (was ready to hand). 6 immediate, unqualified (found ready acceptance). 7 prompt, quick, facile (is always ready with excuses; has a ready wit). 8 (foll. by to + infin.) about to do something (a bud just ready to burst). 9 provided beforehand.
adv. 1 beforehand. 2 so as not to require doing when the time comes for use (the cases are ready packed).
n. (pl. -ies) sl. 1 (prec. by the) = ready money. 2 (in pl.) bank notes.
v.tr. (-ies, -ied) make ready; prepare. at the ready ready for action. make ready prepare. ready-made (or -to-wear) (esp. of clothes) made in a standard size, not to measure. ready-mix (or -mixed) (of concrete, paint, food, etc.) having some or all of the constituents already mixed together. ready money 1 actual coin or notes. 2 payment on the spot. ready reckoner a book or table listing standard numerical calculations as used esp. in commerce. ready, steady (or get set), go the usual formula for starting a race. readiness n.
[ ME rdi(g), re(a)di, f. OE rde f. Gmc ]