— pertly , adv. — pertness , n.
/perrt/ , adj., perter, pertest .
1. boldly forward in speech or behavior; impertinent; saucy.
2. jaunty and stylish; chic; natty.
3. lively; sprightly; in good health.
4. Obs. clever.
[ 1200-50; ME, aph. var. of apert apertus open (ptp. of aperire; see APERIENT); in ME and OF, influenced by OF aspert expertus EXPERT ]
Syn. 1. presumptuous, impudent.