'nimble-fingered' originates from the combination of 'nimble' and 'fingered', where 'nimble' meant 'quick and light in movement or action' and 'fingered' refers to the use of fingers.

'nimble' changed from the Old English word 'næmel', meaning 'quick to grasp', and 'fingered' has remained consistent in its reference to fingers.

Initially, 'nimble' meant 'quick to grasp', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'quick and light in movement or action', while 'fingered' has consistently referred to the use of fingers.