GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Shrewd , a. [Compar. Shrewder ; superl. Shrewdest.] [Originally the p. p. of shrew, v.t.]
- Inclining to shrew; disposing to curse or scold; hence, vicious; malicious; evil; wicked; mischievous; vexatious; rough; unfair; shrewish. [Obs.]Chaucer.1913 Webster
[Egypt] hath many shrewd havens, because of the great rocks that ben strong and dangerous to pass by.
Sir J. Mandeville.1913 WebsterEvery of this happy number
That have endured shrewd days and nights with us.Shak.1913 Webster - Artful; wily; cunning; arch.1913 Webster
These women are shrewd tempters with their tongues.
Shak.1913 Webster - Able or clever in practical affairs; sharp in business; astute; sharp-witted; sagacious; keen; as, a shrewd observer; a shrewd design; a shrewd reply.1913 Webster
Professing to despise the ill opinion of mankind creates a shrewd suspicion that we have deserved it.
Secker.1913 WebsterSyn. -- Keen; critical; subtle; artful; astute; sagacious; discerning; acute; penetrating. -- Shrewd, Sagacious. One who is shrewd is keen to detect errors, to penetrate disguises, to foresee and guard against the selfishness of others. Shrewd is a word of less dignity than sagacious, which implies a comprehensive as well as penetrating mind, whereas shrewd does not.
1913 Webster-- Shrewd"ly, adv. -- Shrewd"ness, n.
1913 Webster
- Inclining to shrew; disposing to curse or scold; hence, vicious; malicious; evil; wicked; mischievous; vexatious; rough; unfair; shrewish. [Obs.]