coy (koi), adj., -er, -est, v.

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.

6. Archaic. to act in a coy manner.

7. to quiet; soothe. 8. to pat; caress.

[1300–50; ME < AF coi, quoy calm, OF quei < VL *quētus, for L quiētus QUIET]

—coyish, adj.

—coyish·ness, n.

—coyly, adv.

—coyness, n.

—Syn. 2. retiring, diffident, bashful, demure. (Random House Webster's Unabridged)