I. ˈdev(ə)lish, -lēsh adjective
1. : resembling, typical of, or relating to the devil : diabolical
devilish tricks and stratagems
2. : like or like that of a devil especially in daring and rakishness or in arrogant disregard for the rights of others
sheer devilish courage
a devilish gang of young roughs
often : evil , vicious
their devilish program
their devilish practices
3. : extreme , excessive
he was in a devilish hurry
• dev·il·ish·ly adverb
• dev·il·ish·ness noun -es
II. adverb
: excessively , devilishly
he's tough, sir, — tough, and devilish sly — Charles Dickens