pawky

[prettygoodword]

pawky - adj., (Scot) cunning, sly.


From pawk, also Scottish, meaning trick; one dictionary connects it to Old English paecean, to deceive.

---L.

Comments

[alexfiles.livejournal.com]

One could make the case that nearly all those who knew this word prior to this post learned it from the below, or from someone who read the below:

"You have heard me speak of Professor Moriarty?"

"The famous scientific criminal, as famous among crooks as—"

"My blushes, Watson!" Holmes murmured in a deprecating voice.

"I was about to say, as he is unknown to the public."

"A touch! A distinct touch!" cried Holmes. "You are developing a certain unexpected vein of pawky humor, Watson, against which I must learn to guard myself."

--The Valley of Fear

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

That is entirely possible. I hadn't known the use myself. But them, I hadn't known the word.

---L.