a. [ Origin uncertain. Cf. OE. cliver eager, AS. clyfer (in comp.) cloven; or clifer a claw, perh. connected with E. cleave to divide, split, the meaning of E. clever perh. coming from the idea of grasping, seizing (with the mind). ]
Though there were many clever men in England during the latter half of the seventeenth century, there were only two great creative minds. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever. C. Kingsley. [ 1913 Webster ]
'T would sound more clever
To me and to my heirs forever. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Somewhat clever. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a clever manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
Never was man so clever absurd. C. Smart. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality of being clever; skill; dexterity; adroitness.