cunning

Definition

Sly; crafty; clever in surreptitious behaviour.

Etymology

From Middle English cunning, kunning, konnyng, alteration of earlier Middle English cunninde, kunnende, cunnand, from Old English cunnende, present participle of cunnan (“to know how to, be able to”), equivalent to con + -ing. Cognate with Scots cunnand (“cunning”), German könnend (“able to do”), Icelandic kunnandi (“cunning”). More at con, can.

Example Sentences

• "They are resolved to be cunning; let others run the hazard of being sincere."
• "Esau was a cunning hunter."
• "a cunning workman"