Sentence:  The "[Washington] Post's" proprietor through those turbulent [Watergate] days, Katharine Graham, held a double place in Washington's hierarchy: at once regal Georgetown hostess and scrappy newshound, <WSD>ready</WSD> to hold the establishment to account. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Not slow or hesitating; quick in action or perception of any kind; dexterous; prompt; easy; expert.