borrowed from Scots, "proceed warily, act cautiously" (imperative and infinitive), from ca' "to call, urge forward, drive, proceed" (Scots form of call entry 1) + canny "warily," from canny, adjective, "prudent, wary" (Scots senses of canny entry 1)
1886, in the meaning defined above
ca'
ca' canny
ca'ing whale
“Ca' canny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ca%27%20canny. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
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