[cun.ning] adj [ME, fr. prp. of can know] (14c) 1: dexterous or crafty in the use of special resources (as skill or knowledge) or in attaining an end "a ~ plotter"
2: displaying keen insight "a ~ observation"
3: characterized by wiliness and trickery "~ schemes"
4: prettily appealing: cute syn see clever, sly -- cun.ning.ly adv -- cun.ning.ness n
[2]cunning n (14c) 1 obs a: knowledge, learning b: magic art
2: dexterous skill and subtlety (as in inventing, devising, or executing) "high-ribbed vault ... with perfect ~ framed --William Wordsworth"
3: craft, slyness syn see art