coy
AdjectiveWordNet 3.0
Adjective (3)
- affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative waySynonyms: demureovermodest
- showing marked and often playful or irritating evasiveness or reluctance to make a definite or committing statement“a politician coy about his intentions”
- modestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures“like a wild young colt, very inquisitive but very coy and not to be easily cajoled”
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
1.To allure; to entice; to decoy. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
A wiser generation, who have the art to coy the fonder sort into their nets.— Bp. Rainbow.[1913 Webster]
2.To caress with the hand; to stroke. [1913 Webster]
Come sit thee down upon this flowery bed, While I thy amiable cheeks do coy.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
Coy \Coy\ (koi), a. [OE. coi quiet, still, OF. coi, coit, fr.L. quietus quiet, p. p. of quiescere to rest, quie rest; prob. akin to E. while. See While, and cf. Quiet, Quit, Quite.]
1.Quiet; still. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
2.Shrinking from approach or familiarity; reserved; bashful; shy; modest; -- usually applied to women, sometimes with an implication of coquetry. [1913 Webster]
Coy, and difficult to win.— Cowper.[1913 Webster]
Coy and furtive graces.— W. Irving.[1913 Webster]
Nor the coy maid, half willings to be pressed, Shall kiss the cup, to pass it to the rest.— Goldsmith.[1913 Webster]
3.Soft; gentle; hesitating. [1913 Webster]
Enforced hate, Instead of love's coy touch, shall rudely tear thee.— Shak.
Syn: Shy; shriking; reserved; modest; bashful; backward; distant. [1913 Webster]
Coy \Coy\, v. i.
1.To behave with reserve or coyness; to shrink from approach or familiarity. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Thus to coy it, With one who knows you too!— Rowe.[1913 Webster]
2.To make difficulty; to be unwilling. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
If he coyed To hear Cominius speak, I 'll keep at home.— Shak.[1913 Webster]