— charily , adv.
/chair"ee/ , adj., charier, chariest .
1. cautious or careful; wary: He was chary of investing in oil wells.
2. shy; timid.
3. fastidious; choosy: She is excessively chary about her friends.
4. sparing (often fol. by of ): chary of his praise.
[ bef. 1000; ME; OE cearig sorrowful ( c ( e ) ar ( u ) CARE + -ig -Y 1 ); c. OS karag, OHG karag (G karg scanty, paltry) ]
Syn. 1. circumspect. 4. frugal.
Ant. 1. trustful. 2. confident. 3. uncritical. 4. lavish.