Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

[Origin uncertain. Cf. OE.

cliver

eager, AS.

clyfer

(in comp.) cloven; or

clifer

a claw, perh. connected with E.

cleave

to divide, split, the meaning of E.

clever

perh. coming from the idea of grasping, seizing (with the mind).]

Possessing quickness of intellect, skill, dexterity, talent, or adroitness; expert.

Though there were many

clever

men in England during the latter half of the seventeenth century, there were only two great creative minds.

Macaulay.

Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be

clever

C. Kingsley.

Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former;

as, a

clever

speech; a

clever

trick

Byron.

Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness.

’T would sound more

clever

To me and to my heirs forever.

Swift.

Well-shaped; handsome.

“The girl was a tight, clever wench as any was.”

Arbuthnot.

Syn. – See