Meaning

• Subject to frequent changes in direction.

• (of a person's eyes) Moving from one object to another, not looking directly and steadily at the person with whom one is speaking.

• Having the appearance of being dishonest, criminal or unreliable.

  "He was a shifty character in a seedy bar, and I checked my wallet was still there after talking to him."

• Resourceful; full of, or ready with, shifts or expedients.