'Nervous temperament' definitions:

Definition of 'Nervous temperament'

From: GCIDE
  • Nervous \Nerv"ous\ (n[~e]rv"[u^]s), a. [L. nervosus sinewy, vigorous: cf. F. nerveux. See Nerve.]
  • 1. Possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous. "Nervous arms." --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a nervous writer. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as, nervous excitement; a nervous fever. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited; subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the nerves; easily agitated or annoyed. [1913 Webster]
  • Poor, weak, nervous creatures. --Cheyne. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Sensitive; excitable; timid. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. Apprehensive; as, a child nervous about his mother's reaction to his bad report card. [PJC]
  • Our aristocratic class does not firmly protest against the unfair treatment of Irish Catholics, because it is nervous about the land. --M. Arnold. [1913 Webster]
  • Nervous fever (Med.), a low form of fever characterized by great disturbance of the nervous system, as evinced by delirium, or stupor, disordered sensibility, etc.
  • Nervous system (Anat.), the specialized coordinating apparatus which endows animals with sensation and volition. In vertebrates it is often divided into three systems: the central, brain and spinal cord; the peripheral, cranial and spinal nerves; and the sympathetic. See Brain, Nerve, Spinal cord, under Spinal, and Sympathetic system, under Sympathetic, and Illust. in Appendix.
  • Nervous temperament, a condition of body characterized by a general predominance of mental manifestations. --Mayne. [1913 Webster]