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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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for coy
In thy talk and in thy toying, In thy jest and in thy joying, In thy kissing, in thy coying.
Aucassin and Nicolette|AnonymousShe threw from her, at once, as vain and wicked and false, all idea of coying her love.
The Eustace Diamonds|Anthony Trollope
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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