ˈcha(a)rē, -er-, -ār-, -ri adjective
( often -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English charry, chary sorrowful, dear, from Old English cearig sorrowful, from cearu sorrow; akin to Old High German charag sorrowful — more at care
1. archaic : precious , treasured, dear
2. : marked by discreet caution:
a. : hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks : unwilling to proceed without much consideration
a chary investor
the hunter was chary
yet let us be chary of casting the first stone — J.L.Lowes
b. : fastidious
chary about the food he eats
c. : diffident , reserved
the chariest maid is prodigal enough if she unmask her beauty to the moon — Shakespeare
d. : sparing and reluctant in granting, accepting, or expending : tending to withhold, preserve, or guard
a busy man chary of his time
I wanted my father's good opinion because he was chary of his compliments and shy in his affection — W.A.White
Synonyms: see cautious