"sharp" Definition

Definitions for the word "sharp" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. adj.
1 having an edge or point able to cut or pierce. 2 tapering to a point or edge. 3 abrupt, steep, angular. 4 well-defined, clean-cut. 5 a severe or intense. B (of food etc.) Pungent, acid. 6 (of a voice etc.) Shrill and piercing. 7 (of words or temper etc.) Harsh. 8 acute; quick to understand. 9 artful, unscrupulous. 10 vigorous or brisk. 11 mus. Above the normal pitch; a semitone higher than a specified pitch (c sharp). n. 1 mus. A note a semitone above natural pitch. B sign indicating this. 2 colloq. Swindler, cheat. adv. 1 punctually (at nine o''clock sharp). 2 suddenly (pulled up sharp). 3 at a sharp angle. 4 mus. Above true pitch (sings sharp). sharply adv. Sharpness n. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
2. slang
or SHARPER, a cunning cheat, a rogue,—the opposite of FLAT.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
3. slang
a similar expression to “TWO PUN’ TEN” (which _see_), used by assistants in shops to signify that a customer of suspected honesty is amongst them. The shopman in this case would ask one of the assistants, in a voice loud enough to be generally heard, “Has Mr. SHARP come in yet?” “No,” would probably be the reply; “but he is expected every minute.” The signal is at once understood, and a general look-out kept upon the suspected party.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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