WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Clev"er
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [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).]
Definition : 1. 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.

2. Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former; as, a clever speech; a clever trick. Byron.

3. Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness. "T would sound more clever To me and to my heirs forever. Swift.

4. Well-shaped; handsome. "The girl was a tight, clever wench as any was." Arbuthnot.

5. Good-natured; obliging. [U. S.]

Syn. -- See Smart.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913