Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Clever \Clev"er\, a. [Origin uncertain. Cf. OE. cliver eager,
   AS. clyfer (in comp.) cloven; or clifer a claw, perh.
   connected with E. cleave to divide, split, the meaning of E.
   clever perh. coming from the idea of grasping, seizing (with
   the mind).]
   1. Possessing quickness of intellect, skill, dexterity,
      talent, or adroitness; expert.

            Though there were many clever men in England during
            the latter half of the seventeenth century, there
            were only two great creative minds.   --Macaulay.

            Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever.
                                                  --C. Kingsley.

   2. Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former; as, a
      clever speech; a clever trick. --Byron.

   3. Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness.

            ``T would sound more clever To me and to my heirs
            forever.                              --Swift.

   4. Well-shaped; handsome. ``The girl was a tight, clever
      wench as any was.'' --Arbuthnot.

   5. Good-natured; obliging. [U. S.]

   Syn: See {Smart}.

Source : WordNet®

clever
     adj 1: skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends; "cool
            prudence and sensitive selfishness along with quick
            perception of what is possible--these distinguish an
            adroit politician"; "came up with a clever story"; "an
            ingenious press agent"; "an ingenious scheme" [syn: {adroit},
             {ingenious}]
     2: showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others;
        "a cagey lawyer"; "too clever to be sound" [syn: {cagey},
        {cagy}, {canny}]
     3: mentally quick and resourceful; "an apt pupil"; "you are a
        clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold"-Bram
        Stoker [syn: {apt}]
     4: showing inventiveness and skill; "a clever gadget"; "the
        cunning maneuvers leading to his success"; "an ingenious
        solution to the problem" [syn: {cunning}, {ingenious}]