/red"ee nis/ , n.
1. the condition of being ready.
2. ready movement; promptness; quickness.
3. ready action; ease; facility.
4. willingness; inclination; cheerful consent: a readiness to help others.
5. a developmental stage at which a child has the capacity to receive instruction at a given level of difficulty or to engage in a particular activity.
[ 1350-1400; ME redyness ( e ). See READY, -NESS ]