a. Obs. [f. L. flexanim-us (f. flex- ppl. stem of flectĕre to bend + anim-um mind) + -OUS.]
1. Having power to bend or influence the mind; moving, affecting.
1622. S. Ward, Life of Faith in Death (1627), 66. It stands not without doores as a Mendicant Flexanimous perswader, but enters into the closets of the heart, shoots the barres, vnlockes the bolts, takes away all reluctation and redaction, infuseth a plyable willingnesse.
1633. T. Adams, Exp. 2 Peter ii. 5. He is that flexanimous Preacher whose pulpit is in heaven.
1672. Life Jas. Arminius & Simon Episcopius, I. 8. There was in Beza beyond other mortals a flexanimous and perswasive eloquence, a prompt and ready utterance, perspicuity of speech, pleasantness of voice, but excellent doctrine in the judgment of all learned men.
2. (See quot.)
1656–81. Blount, Glossogr., Flexanimous … that is of a minde easily bent or turned.
1721. in Bailey.
Hence Flexanimousness.
1727. Bailey, vol. II., Flexanimousness, flexibleness of Mind or Disposition.
