— 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.