artful

1. (especially) Skilful at using dishonest or unfair means to achieve a purpose; crafty, cunning.Examples: "Here, again, were shadows on the window-blind of guests assembling; and there a group of handsome girls, all hooded and fur-booted, and all chattering at once, tripped lightly off to some near neighbour's house; where, wo upon the single man who saw them enter—artful witches: well they knew it—in a glow!"; ""Now, this is a very artful dog," said Mr. Boffin, with a deep look. "This is a longer-headed schemer than I thought him.["]"; "But now he was little more than a whimpering oyster led to be devoured on the sands of a Southern sea by the artful walrus, Circumstance, and the implacable carpenter, Fate."Synonyms: deceitful, underhand, astute, artful, cautelous, crafty, cunning, foxlikeespecially

2. (obsolete) Knowledgeable about the liberal arts; learned, wise.obsolete