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

He was, in fact, rather sharp-set for the freedom of solitude, that he might pursue one or two self-appointed tasks without interruption.

From The Destroying Angel by Vance, Louis Joseph

Oh, Noel, stinging memory is more merciless than sharp-set hair shirts that fret the flesh.

From A Speckled Bird by Wilson, Augusta J. Evans

Savans, lovers, people of leisure, and maidens are passionately sharp-set upon letters; business-people, not at all.

From Hesperus or Forty-Five Dog-Post-Days Vol. I. A Biography by Jean Paul

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

And presently, first removing his cap and saying his grace in a devout fashion, he sat down and began to eat with an evidently sharp-set appetite.

From Ravensdene Court by Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith)