As*tute" (?), a. [L. astutus, fr.
astus craft, cunning; perh. cognate with E. acute.]
Critically discerning; sagacious; shrewd; subtle; crafty.
Syn. -- Keen; eagle-eyed; penetrating; skilled; discriminating;
cunning; sagacious; subtle; wily; crafty.
As*tute"ly, adv. -- As*tute"ness,
n.