pertineer

English

Alternative forms

• purtineer

Etymology

From pretty +‎ near. See Carleton County Colloquialisms.

Adverb

pertineer (not comparable)

1. (colloquial) Almost; nearly.
   • 1911, Agnes Roma Johnson et al., “Keeping Up Appearances”, in Pacific Short Story Club magazine, volumes 4–6, Pacific Short Story Club, page 23:

     "She made one leap towards it, but when she touched the pitcher, she drew back in dismay. 'My! It's pertineer boilin'!' she gasped."

   • 1997, Leonard C. Sly, Worlds of Pain and Joy: Reflections on Working-Class Lives, University of Michigan-Flint:

     "'But my oldest sister was twelve at that time, "pertineer" thirteen and she always seemed like a mother to us.'"

   • 2008, Merri Hiatt, Penelope's Passion, MH Books, page 196:

     "Mark answered, 'I've known Ian McCafferty pertineer all his life.'"