I. ˈkanē, -i adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: can (I) + -y
1.
a. : foresighted , knowing , wise
b. : cautious , prudent , wary
c. : clever , cunning , sly
d. : frugal , thrifty
e. : shrewd in worldly affairs : watchful for self-interest : sharp-witted
2. Scotland
a. : fortunate , lucky
b. : free from weird qualities or unnatural powers : safe to deal with — used in a negative constr.
c. : wise in supernatural affairs : having occult powers
3.
a. Scotland : careful , gentle , steady
b. Scotland : comfortable , cozy , quiet , snug
c. dialect Britain : agreeable to the eyes or perception : pleasant , worthy — used as a general term of approbation
d. dialect England : considerable especially in extent, number, or amount
II. adverb
Scotland : in a canny manner: as
a. : carefully , cautiously
b. : gently , quietly — compare ca' canny