COY


Meaning of COY in English

— coyish , adj. — coyishness , n. — coyly , adv. — coyness , n.

/koy/ , adj., coyer, coyest , v.

adj.

1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.

2. shy; modest.

3. showing reluctance, esp. when insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand: The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations.

4. Archaic. disdainful; aloof.

5. Obs. quiet; reserved.

v.i.

6. Archaic. to act in a coy manner.

v.t. Obs.

7. to quiet; soothe.

8. to pat; caress.

[ 1300-50; ME coi, quoy calm, OF quei quetus, for L quietus QUIET ]

Syn. 2. retiring, diffident, bashful, demure.

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .