An available person or thing is one that can be used. Thus, ideal candidates are frequently not “available.”
1840. Goody Harrison, a gossiping old lady, and an available.—Congressional Globe, March 6.
1844. The Eastern Argus describes the following as the traits of character which, in the estimation of the Whigs, constitute the ne plus ultra of “availability.”—Mr. Bidlack of Pennsylvania, House of Repr., June 4: id., p. 663, App.
1848. All of us prefer (Mr. Clay), but I’m afraid he isn’t available.—N.Y. Tribune, May ——. (Bartlett, who gives three other examples in the same year.)
1848. They had played off with success their great game of “hard cider,” “log cabins,” and “coon skins,” in 1840, and now, attempting to repeat it, they had abandoned their old leader, and adopted General Availability, from a belief that he would be able to infuse a little life into the prostrate body and dying carcass of Whiggery.—Mr. Iverson of Georgia, House of Repr., July 20: Cong. Globe, p. 963.
1854. [July.] Article in The Knickerbocker Magazine on “Availability in Candidates for the Presidency,” xliv. 1–11.
1854. We will next examine into the qualities for availability that the “Little Giant” possesses.—Id., p. 7.
1864. They say McClellan was nominated for his availability.—‘Southern Hist. Soc. Papers,’ vii. 340 (Richmond, 1879).
1864. Occasionally, a patriot has been “available” for carrying out the purposes of politicians, in their strife for power. But often imbecility and rascality have been found “available,” and politicians have not failed to take advantage of the fact. Selfish party men have ruled the country, and selfish party men are trying to ruin it.—J. G. Holland, ‘Letters to the Joneses,’ p. 278.
1909. Such a change would “seriously reduce the market value and availability of the city’s bonds” [says the Committee].—N.Y. Evening Post, Feb. 4.
