shamefast

[sheym-fast, -fahst]

adjective

Archaic.

1. shamefaced.

Other Word Forms

• shamefastly adverb
• shamefastness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shamefast¹

before 900; Middle English schamfast shamefaced, originally, modest, bashful, Old English sc ( e ) amfæst; shame, fast ¹

Example Sentences

The wind rolled softly along the roads the perfumed breath of the meadows; far away the sea murmured to the sun, idle and at ease; Ulenspiegel was like a young devil, full of spunk and fire, and Nele like a little saint from Paradise, all shamefast at her delight.

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Taking her hands, he sets her by his side, And she in shame and anger veils her face: When he unfolds her face and kisses her upon her mouth, She hides the shamefast face in Mādhav's breast.

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Few are my years, for I am not so old as Kānu,— I am too shamefast and too tender.

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Newly advised was Kān, my lord, His sayings overpowered me: He gave a refuge to the homeless— Shamefast I was and hid my heart's fire.

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Sakhī:         Her gentle words she can but stammer, Her shamefast speech will not well out: To-day I found her most contrary, Sometimes consenting, sometimes fearful.

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