adj.
Pronunciation: ' cher- ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: chari · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English, sorrowful, dear, from Old English cearig sorrowful, from caru sorrow ― more at CARE
Date: 15th century
1 archaic : DEAR , TREASURED
2 : discreetly cautious: as a : hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks b : slow to grant, accept, or expend <a person very chary of compliments>
synonyms see CAUTIOUS
– chari · ly \ ' cher- ə -l ē \ adverb