ambidexter

1 of 2

noun

am·​bi·​dex·​ter

¦ambə¦dekstə(r),

¦aam-

plural -s

1

a

: one that takes bribes or fees from both sides

b

archaic : one that practices duplicity

2

obsolete : one that uses both hands with equal facility

ambidexter

2 of 2

adjective

"

archaic

: ambidextrous

Word History

Etymology

Noun

in sense 1, from Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from ambidexter, adjective, from Late Latin, skillful with both hands; in sense 2, from Late Latin, from ambidexter, adjective

Adjective

Medieval Latin & Late Latin; Medieval Latin, double-dealing, from Late Latin, skillful with both hands (translation of Greek amphoterodexios), from ambi- + dexter on the right, skillful

First Known Use

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1613, in the meaning defined above

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