Obs. Of uncertain origin and meaning: in quots. 1647, 1686, it might be from clive, CLEAVE v.2 = adherent, clinging; Jamieson says ‘clever, fleet, (a horse) of light make and good action; (fuel) which is easily kindled and burns briskly’; Halliwell says ‘lively, active.’
[LG. dialects have clüftig, clüchtig, nearly in sense of ‘clever.’]
1570. Levins, Manip., 111. Clifty, fertilis.
1647. Commonw. Ballads (1841), 43. The prentices are gallant blades, and to the king are clifty; But the lord mair and aldermen are scarce so wise as thrifty.
1686. G. Stuart, Joco-Ser. Disc., 70. A couple of knights … Clamb up the shrouds … And proved themsels twa clifty men.
