ETYM Origin uncertain. Related to Old Eng. cliver eager, AS. clyfer (in comp.) cloven; or clifer a claw, perh. connected with Eng. cleave to divide, split, the meaning of Eng. clever perh. coming from the idea of grasping, seizing (with the mind).
Showing inventiveness and skill; SYN. cunning, ingenious.
City in Missouri (USA); zip code 65631.