Definition of "pawky" in English

adjective

1. (Scotland, northern British) Shrewd, sly; often also characterised by a sarcastic sense of humour.

   • 1836, Joanna Baillie, Witchcraft, Act 1, p.36-37. 'Awa', ye pawky thief! Dost tu think that I'll herrie the laird's cellar for thee or ony body?—But there's the whisky bottle in my ain cupboard, wi' some driblets in it yet, that ye may tak; and deil a drap mair shall ye get, an thy tongue were as guizened as a spelding. I wonder wha learnt sic a youngster as thee to be sae pawky.