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

There was one woman in the store, sitting on a beer-cask, a small, sharp-set old wife, who drew her muddy shoes up under her petticoats out of Mary's way, but did not look at her.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 91, May, 1865 by Various

Presently Alfred appeared, sharp-set after a good day's business.

From The Soul of Susan Yellam by Vachell, Horace Annesley

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

From The Emigrant Trail by Bonner, Geraldine

"But if you give us supper at once," says Molly craftily, "we shall have finished it before the giant comes home; for we are very sharp-set."

From English Fairy Tales by Rackham, Arthur

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