demure

Adjective
Synonyms: coyovermodest

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (1)

  1. affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative waySynonyms: coyovermodest
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Demure \De*mure"\, v. i. To look demurely. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Demure \De*mure"\ (d[-e]*m[=u]r"), a. [Perh. from OF. de murs (i. e., de bonnes murs of good manners); de of + murs, mours, meurs, mors, F. m[oe]urs, fr. L. mores (sing. mos) manners, morals (see Moral); or more prob. fr. OF. me["u]r, F. m[^u]r mature, ripe (see Mature) in a phrase preceded by de, as de m[^u]re conduite of mature conduct.]

1.Of sober or serious mien; composed and decorous in bearing; of modest look; staid; grave. [1913 Webster]

Sober, steadfast, and demure.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
Nan was very much delighted in her demure way, and that delight showed itself in her face and in her clear bright eyes.— W. Black.[1913 Webster]

2.Affectedly modest, decorous, or serious; making a show of gravity. [1913 Webster]

A cat lay, and looked so demure, as if there had been neither life nor soul in her.— L'Estrange.[1913 Webster]
Miss Lizzy, I have no doubt, would be as demure and coquettish, as if ten winters more had gone over her head.— Miss Mitford.[1913 Webster]
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