coy

[koi] /kɔɪ/
adjective, coyer, coyest.
1.
artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
2.
shy; modest.
3.
showing reluctance, especially 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.
Obsolete. quiet; reserved.
verb (used without object)
6.
Archaic. to act in a coy manner.
verb (used with object), Obsolete
7.
to quiet; soothe.
8.
to pat; caress.
Origin
1300-50; Middle English < Anglo-French coi, quoy calm, Old French quei < Vulgar Latin *quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet
Related forms
coyish, adjective
coyishness, noun
coyly, adverb
coyness, noun
overcoy, adjective
overcoyly, adverb
overcoyness, noun
uncoy, adjective
uncoyly, adverb
uncoyness, noun
Synonyms
2. retiring, diffident, bashful, demure.
Examples from the web for coy
  • He wanted a picture of me splayed across my bed wearing nothing but a coy expression.
British Dictionary definitions for coy

coy

/kɔɪ/
adjective
1.
(usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner
2.
shy; modest
3.
evasive, esp in an annoying way
Derived Forms
coyish, adjective
coyly, adverb
coyness, noun
Word Origin
C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētusquiet
Word Origin and History for coy
adj.

early 14c., "quiet, modest, demure," from Old French coi, earlier quei "quiet, still, placid, gentle," ultimately from Latin quietus "resting, at rest" (see quiet (n.)). Meaning "shy" emerged late 14c. Meaning "unwilling to commit" is 1961. Related: Coyly; coyness.