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coy
[ koi ]
/ kÉÉȘ /
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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
First recorded in 1300â50; Middle English, from Anglo-French coi, quoy âcalm,â Old French quei, from unattested Vulgar Latin quÄtus, for Latin quiÄtus quiet
OTHER WORDS FROM coy
Words nearby coy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use coy in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)
coy
/ (kÉÉȘ) /
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 quiÄtus 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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