— canniness , n.
/kan"ee/ , adj., cannier, canniest , adv.
adj.
1. careful; cautious; prudent: a canny reply.
2. astute; shrewd; knowing; sagacious: a canny negotiator.
3. skilled; expert.
4. frugal; thrifty: a canny housewife.
5. Scot.
a. safe to deal with, invest in, or work at (usually used with a negative).
b. gentle; careful; steady.
c. snug; cozy; comfortable.
d. pleasing; attractive.
e. Archaic. having supernatural or occult powers.
adv. Also, cannily .
6. in a canny manner.
7. Scot. carefully; cautiously.
[ 1630-40; CAN 1 + -Y 1 ]