Dictionary

pertineer en · ADV

Etymology

From pretty + near. See Carleton County Colloquialisms.

Meanings

1. (colloquial, not-comparable) Almost; nearly.
   • "She made one leap towards it, but when she touched the pitcher, she drew back in dismay. 'My! It's pertineer boilin'!' she gasped." 1911, Agnes Roma Johnson et al., “Keeping Up Appearances”, in Pacific Short Story Club magazine, volumes 4–6, Pacific Short Story Club, page 23:
   • "Mark answered, 'I've known Ian McCafferty pertineer all his life.'" 2008, Merri Hiatt, Penelope's Passion, MH Books, page 196:
   • "'But my oldest sister was twelve at that time, "pertineer" thirteen and she always seemed like a mother to us.'" 1997, Leonard C. Sly, Worlds of Pain and Joy: Reflections on Working-Class Lives, University of Michigan-Flint:

Forms