Definition
pawkiness
noun
- the quality of being sly, cunning, or shrewd in a playful or mischievous way
Usage: chiefly Scottish and Northern English; informal
Examples
- There was a hint of pawkiness in his smile as he made the joke.
- She approached the negotiation with pawkiness, never revealing her true intentions.
- The old farmer's pawkiness made him a formidable trader at the market.
- His pawkiness allowed him to get out of trouble with a clever remark.
- The character's pawkiness was both endearing and slightly suspicious.