bent as a nine bob note Definition

bent
adj

1. Not straight; curved or having a bend.

Thesaurus: curved, twisted, beaked, hooked, crooked, bowed, sinuous, hunched; Antonym: rigid, straight.
(Brit)
2a. slang
Dishonest; corrupt;
Example: bent officers in the force
(Brit)
2b. slang
Obtained dishonestly; stolen.
Example: bent goods
(Brit)
3. derog, slang
Homosexual.
4. Having all one's attention or energy directed on it, or on doing it; intent or determined.

Example: bent on revenge
Thesaurus: determined, resolved, set on, fixed, insistent, hellbent (slang).
Form: bent on something (usually)
Form: bent upon something

noun

1. A natural inclination, liking or aptitude.

Example: shows a real bent for music
Thesaurus: inclination, leaning, tendency, proclivity, penchant, propensity, aptitude, gift, flair, forte.
2. bot.
bent grass.

verb

1. Past tense, past participle of bend.

Idiom: bent as a nine bob note

Said of a person: thoroughly dishonest.

Said of property: obviously stolen or illicit.

Said of a person: homosexual.

Etymology: 14c.