coy
[ koi ]
/ kɔɪ /
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adjective, coy·er, coy·est.
verb (used without object)
Archaic. to act in a coy manner.
verb (used with object) Obsolete.
to quiet; soothe.
to pat; caress.
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Origin of coy
1300–50; Middle English <Anglo-French coi, quoy calm, Old French quei<Vulgar Latin *quētus, for Latin quiētusquiet1
OTHER WORDS FROM coy
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)
coy
/ (kɔɪ) /
adjective
(usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner
shy; modest
evasive, esp in an annoying way
Derived forms of coy
coyish, adjectivecoyly, adverbcoyness, nounWord Origin for coy
C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus quiet
British Dictionary definitions for coy (2 of 2)
Coy.
/ military /
abbreviation for
company
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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