a. [f. EXPEDITION: see -TIOUS.] Characterized by expedition.
1. Of action, a voyage, etc.: Speedily performed. Of a method: Leading to speedy performance. Of an answer: Quickly given, ready.
1610. Shaks., Temp., V. i. 315. I … promise you … auspicious gales And saile, so expeditious, that shall catch Your Royall fleete farre off.
1664. Evelyn, Kal. Hort. (1729), 201. Turning up of the Earth … is to be preferr’d to Hand weeding, and more expeditious.
1692. Wagstaffe, Vind. Carol., xiv. 96. A most expeditious Answer.
1709. Sharp, Serm., VII. iv. 63. The … short expeditious way of appealing to the Bishop of Rome.
1748. Anson’s Voy., II. xiii. 378. Capable of making an expeditious passage.
a. 1832. Bentham, Wks. (1843), I. 182. Obviating a dissatisfaction, which expeditious measures would excite.
1866. J. G. Murphy, Comm. Exod. xii. 10. 109. Equipped for expeditious travelling.
2. Of an implement or weapon: Fitted for quick movements; handy. rare.
1747. Smollett, Regicide, II. ii. With the broad targe and expeditious sword.
3. Of persons: Acting or moving with expedition; speedy.
1599. Massinger, etc. Old Law, I. (1656), 12. Let us be all most expeditious.
1726. Chetwood, Adv. Capt. R. Boyle, 3. He … desir’d I would be expeditious in going.
1771. Goldsm., Hist. Eng., III. 242. An expeditious set of workmen.
1858. Froude, Hist. Eng., III. xvii. 439. The German commission was as expeditious as the Spanish had been dilatory.
1881. Jowett, Thucyd., I. 162. An expeditious traveller … will accomplish the journey in eleven days.
