pertly

English

Etymology

pert +‎ -ly

Adverb

pertly (comparative more pertly, superlative most pertly)

1. In a manner that is lively or high-spirited
   • 1922, Sinclair Lewis, “24”, in Babbitt:

     "Dearie, you aren't going to go and get peevish, are you?" She spoke pertly. He wanted to spank her.

   • 1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy:

     TA pretty girl passed him on her way to work and he greeted her indulgently. She winked pertly back at him, proving for all time that she was not a watcher.

Anagrams

• peltry