sharp-set

American  

[shahrp-set] / ˈʃɑrpˌsɛt /

adjective

1. eager to satisfy the appetite, especially for food.

2. keen or eager.

3. set to present a sharply angled edge.

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sharp-set British  

adjective

1. set to give an acute cutting angle

2. keenly hungry

3. keen or eager

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Other Word Forms

• sharp-setness noun

Etymology

Origin of sharp-set

First recorded in 1530–40

Example Sentences

It was the old story of satisfied men made dissatisfied, and now they required the promise of satisfaction for appetites suddenly rendered sharp-set.

From The Way of the Strong by Cullum, Ridgwell

"An' don't ye mind if Mr. James Bowdoin is a bit sharp-set the morn," said Jamie McMurtagh.

From Pirate Gold by Stimson, Frederic Jesup

The day’s work is over, and men idle and smoke, awaiting the pleasures of an ample fare with appetites healthily sharp-set, and lounge contentedly, contemplating their coming evening’s amusement with untroubled minds.

From The One-Way Trail A story of the cattle country by Cullum, Ridgwell

But I am sure that, sharp-set on his love matter, like a beast that hunts nose-down on a hot trail, Wat Gordon had no memory for the decorations of the Netherbow.

From The Men of the Moss-Hags Being a history of adventure taken from the papers of William Gordon of Earlstoun in Galloway by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)

The face, sunk away to skin clinging on sharp-set bones, was turned in profile.

From The Emigrant Trail by Bonner, Geraldine