Why does Douglass use the word cunning to describe covey?

Frederick Douglass uses the Word "cunning" to describe Covey because it highlights Covey's deceptive and manipulative nature as a slave owner. This characterization underscores Covey's ability to disguise his cruelty under a facade of piety and respectability, making him particularly dangerous. Douglass emphasizes that Covey's cunningness allows him to control and intimidate slaves while avoiding the appearance of overt brutality, which makes his oppression more insidious. Through this description, Douglass illustrates the psychological tactics employed by slave owners to maintain power over enslaved individuals.