Pēart, a.

a. [Written also peert.] [Same as pert in the primary sense of that term.] Active in a high degree; lively; brisk;—often applied to persons recovering from sickness. Wright.

There was a tricksy girl, I wot, albeit clad in gray. As peart as bird, as straight as bolt, as fresh as flowers in May. Warner, 1592.

This old English word has always continued to be used among the common people in America.