Read the dictionary definition of artful. All definitions for this word.
1. marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft
1. the artful dodger
2. an artful choice of metaphors
2. not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness
1. an ambitious, disingenuous, philistine, and hypocritical operator, who...exemplified...the most disagreeable traits of his time
2. a disingenuous excuse