Question

Read the following excerpt from Theodore Dreiser's "My Brother Paul." Based on its context in the excerpt, what is the meaning of the word lithesome? Imagine, if you can, a man weighing all of three hundred pounds, not more than five feet ten-and-one-half inches in height and yet of so lithesome a build that he gave not the least sense of either undue weight or lethargy. His temperament, always ebullient and radiant, presented him as a clever, eager, cheerful, emotional and always highly illusioned person with so collie-like a warmth that one found him compelling interest and even admiration. Easily cast down at times by the most trivial matters, at others, and for the most part, he was so spirited and bubbly and emotional and sentimental that your fiercest or most gloomy intellectual rages or moods could scarcely withstand his smile.

Answer 1

Based on its context in the excerpt,the meaning of the word lithesome is nimble,This is by Theodore Dreiser's "My Brother Paul,  a written tribute to the author's brother and it also means that it is very clever, quick and sensitive in the same time it is responsible.

Answer 2

Nimble is the meaning of the word lithesome following the excerpt from Theodore Dreiser's "My Brother Paul,  a written tribute to the author's brother.  
Nimble also means marked by quick, alert, clever conception, comprehension, or resourcefulness. It may also mean being responsive and sensitive.