[ashamed] adj [ME, fr. OE ascamod, pp. of ascamian to shame, fr. a- (perfective prefix) + scamian to shame--more at abide, shame] (bef. 12c) 1 a: feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace b: feeling inferior or unworthy
2: restrained by anticipation of shame "was ~ to beg" -- asham.ed.ly adv