smɑ:t adj.,
v., n., & adv. --adj. 1 a
clever;
ingenious; quickwitted (a smart talker;
gave a smart answer). b keen in bargaining;
quick to
take advantage. c (of transactions etc.)
unscrupulous to
the point of
dishonesty. 2 well-groomed; neat;
bright and fresh in
appearance (a smart suit). 3 in
good repair;
showing bright colours,
new paint, etc. (a smart
red bicycle). 4
stylish;
fashionable;
prominent in
society (in
all the smart restaurants; the smart set). 5 quick;
brisk (set a smart pace). 6 painfully
severe;
sharp;
vigorous (a smart blow). --v.intr. 1 (of a
person or a
part of the body)
feel or
give acute pain or
distress (my
eye smarts; smarting
from the insult). 2 (of an
insult,
grievance, etc.)
rankle. 3 (foll. by for)
suffer the consequences of (you will smart
for this). --n. a
bodily or
mental sharp pain; a stinging
sensation. --adv. smartly; in a smart
manner. ølook smart
make haste. smart-arse (or -ass) = SMART
ALEC. smart-money 1
money paid or exacted as a
penalty or
compensation. 2 money invested by persons
with expert knowledge. øøsmartingly adv. smartish adj. & adv. smartly adv. smartness n. [OE smeart, smeortan]
