I. ˈkȯi adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French coi calm, tranquil, from Latin quietus quiet, calm — more at quiet
1. obsolete : quiet , still
the court became coy
2.
a. : shrinking bashfully from familiarity : shy : modestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures
like a lot of wild young colts, very inquisitive, but very coy and not to be cajoled easily — Samuel Butler†1902
the moon was a coy or a wanton maiden, who either fled from or pursued the sun — J.G.Frazer
b. archaic : inaccessible , secluded
a sequestered coy retreat
c. : archly affecting shy or demure reserve : marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness
using coy tricks to awaken interest
the combination of the adult and childish in the style will seem a bit too coy — Louise S. Bechtel
d. : showing marked often playful or irritating reluctance to make a definite or committing statement
a politician coy about his intentions
Synonyms: see shy
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English coyen to calm, caress, coax, from coy, adjective
transitive verb
obsolete : caress
intransitive verb
1. archaic : to act coyly — sometimes used with it
a shy maiden coying it
2. : demur , withdraw
III. abbreviation
company