adj., n., & v.
adj. 1 hard but brittle. 2 a (of air) bracing. b (of a style or manner) lively, brisk and decisive. c (of features etc.) neat and clear-cut. d (of paper) stiff and crackling. e (of hair) closely curling.
n. 1 (in full potato crisp) Brit. a thin fried slice of potato sold in packets etc. and eaten as a snack or appetizer. 2 a thing overdone in roasting etc. (burnt to a crisp).
v.tr. & intr. 1 make or become crisp. 2 curl in short stiff folds or waves. crisply adv. crispness n.
[ OE f. L crispus curled ]