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canny

 - 3 dictionary results

can⋅ny

  [kan-ee] adjective, -ni⋅er, -ni⋅est, adverb
Use canny in a Sentence
–adjective
1. careful; cautious; prudent: a canny reply.
2. astute; shrewd; knowing; sagacious: a canny negotiator.
3. skilled; expert.
4. frugal; thrifty: a canny housewife.
5. Scot.
a. safe to deal with, invest in, or work at (usually used with a negative).
b. gentle; careful; steady.
c. snug; cozy; comfortable.
d. pleasing; attractive.
e. Archaic. having supernatural or occult powers.
–adverb Also, can⋅ni⋅ly.
6. in a canny manner.
7. Scot. carefully; cautiously.
Origin:
1630–40; can 1 + -y 1

Related forms:
can⋅ni⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To canny
can·ny   (kān'ē)   
adj.   can·ni·er, can·ni·est

  1. Careful and shrewd, especially where one's own interests are concerned.

  2. Cautious in spending money; frugal.

  3. Scots

    1. Steady, restrained, and gentle.

    2. Snug and quiet.


[From can1.]
can'ni·ly adv., can'ni·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

canny 
1637, Scottish and northern England formation from can in its sense of "know how to." Often used superciliously of Scots by their southern neighbors, implying "thrift and an eye to the main chance."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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