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\Nerv"ous\, a. [L. nervosus sinewy, vigorous: cf. F.
nerveux. See {Nerve}.]
1. possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous. ``Nervous
arms.'' --Pope.
2. Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by
strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a
nervous writer.
3. Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as,
nervous excitement; a nervous fever.
4. Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited;
subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the
nerves; easily agitated or annoyed.
Poor, weak, nervous creatures. --Cheyne.
5. Sensitive; excitable; timid.
Our aristocratic class does not firmly protest against the
unfair treatment of Irish Catholics, because it is nervous
about the land. --M. Arnold.
{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 co["o]rdinating
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.
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