adj. (usu. predic.) 1 (often foll. by of (= with regard to), for (= on account of), or to + infin.) embarrassed or disconcerted by shame (ashamed of his aunt; ashamed of having lied; ashamed for you; ashamed to be seen with him). 2 (foll. by to + infin.) hesitant, reluctant (but usu. not actually refusing or declining) (am ashamed to admit that I was wrong). ashamedly adv.
[ OE ascamod past part. of ascamian feel shame (as A-(2), SHAME) ]