/ dɪˈmjʊə(r); NAmE dɪˈmjʊr/ adjective
1.
( of a woman or a girl ) behaving in a way that does not attract attention to herself or her body; quiet and serious
SYN modest :
a demure young lady
2.
suggesting that a woman or girl is demure
SYN modest :
a demure smile
a demure navy blouse with a white collar
► de·mure·ly adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense sober, serious, reserved ): perhaps from Old French demoure , past participle of demourer remain, based on Latin de- away, completely + morari delay; influenced by Old French mur grave, from Latin maturus ripe or mature. The sense reserved, shy dates from the late 17th cent.