Dictionary entry

Alacrity

Webster's Dictionary 1913

A‐lac″ri‐ty (�), n. [L. alacritas, fr. alacer lively, eager, prob. akin to Gr. � to drive, Goth. aljan zeal.] A cheerful readiness, willingness, or promptitude; joyous activity; briskness; sprightliness; as, the soldiers advanced with alacrity to meet the enemy.

I have not that alacrity of spirit,

Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have.

Shak.