Expert, a.
Etymology: [F. expert, L. expertus, p. p. of experiri to try. See Experience.]
Taught by use, practice, or experience, experienced; having facility of operation or performance from practice; knowing and ready from much practice; clever; skillful; as, an expert surgeon; expert in chess or archery. A valiant and most expert gentleman. Shak. What practice, howsoe'er expert In fitting aptest words to things . . . Hath power to give thee as thou wert Tennison.
Syn. -- Adroit; dexterous; clever; ready; prompt.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Expert, n.
1. An expert or experienced person; one instructed by experience; one who has skill, experience, or extensive knowledge in his calling or in any special branch of learning.
2. (Law) (a) A specialist in a particular profession or department of science requiring for its mastery peculiar culture and erudition.
Note: Such specialists may be witnesses in matters as to which ordinary observers could not without such aid form just conclusions, and are liable for negligence in case they injure another from want of proper qualifications or proper care in the exercise of their specialty. (b) A sworn appraiser.
Expert, v. t.
To experience. [Obs.] Die would we daily, once it to expert. Spencer.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for expert; he lists it under clever, skilful.
Where he writes about it:
One is adept in that for which he has a natural gift improved by practise; he is expert in that of which training, experience, and study have given him a thorough mastery; he is dexterous in that which he can do effectively, with or without training, especially in work of the hand or bodily activities. — from skilful