canny Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
    cagy; clever; cagey.
    • a cagey lawyer
    • too clever to be sound

WordNet

Can"ny, Can"nei adjective (Also<
  • Canny
  • Cannei
)
Etymology
Cf. Icel. kenn skilled, learned, or E. canny. Cf. Kenn.
Definitions
North of Eng. & Scot.
  1. Artful; cunning; shrewd; wary.
  2. Skillful; knowing; capable. Sir W. Scott.
  3. Cautious; prudent; safe.. Ramsay.
  4. Having pleasing of useful qualities; gentle. Burns.
  5. Reputed to have magical powers. Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913