Dictionary entry

Dexter

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Dex″ter (?), a. [L.,; akin to Gr. �, �, Skr. dakshi�a (cf. daksh to be strong, suit); Goth. taihswa, OHG. zeso. Cf. Dexterous.] 1. Pertaining to, or situated on, the right hand; right, as opposed to sinister, or left.

On sounding wings a dexter eagle flew. Pope.

2. (Her.) On the right-hand side of a shield, i.e., towards the right hand of its wearer. To a spectator in front, as in a pictorial representation, this would be the left side.

Dexter chief, orDexter point(Her.), a point in the dexter upper corner of the shield, being in the dexter extremity of the chief, as A in the cut. — Dexter base, a point in the dexter lower part or base of the shield, as B in the cut.