[tim.o.rous] adj [ME, fr. MF timoureus, fr. ML timorosus, fr. L timor fear, fr. timere to fear] (15c) 1: of a timid disposition: fearful
2: expressing or suggesting timidity "proceed with doubtful and ~ steps --Edward Gibbon" -- tim.o.rous.ly adv -- tim.o.rous.ness n