Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (a.) possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous.

2. (a.) Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a nervous writer.

3. (a.) of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as, nervous excitement; a nervous fever.

4. (a.) Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited; subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the nerves; easily agitated or annoyed.

5. (a.) Sensitive; excitable; timid.