Coy

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kɔɪ/
• Rhymes: -ɔɪ
• Homophones: koi

From Old French coi, earlier quei ("quiet, still"), from Latin quietus ("resting, at rest").

Full definition of coy

Adjective

1. (dated) Bashful, shy, retiring.
2. (archaic) Quiet, reserved, modest.
3. Reluctant to give details about something sensitive; notably prudish.
4. Pretending shyness or modesty, especially in an insincere or flirtatious way.
5. Soft, gentle, hesitating.
• ShakespeareEnforced hate,
  Instead of love's coy touch, shall rudely tear thee.

Derived terms

• coyly
• coyness

Verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To caress, pet; to coax, entice.
• ShakespeareCome sit thee down upon this flowery bed,
  While I thy amiable cheeks do coy.
2. (transitive, obsolete) To calm or soothe.
3. To allure; to decoy.
• Bishop RainbowA wiser generation, who have the art to coy the fonder sort into their nets.

Compare decoy.

Noun

1. A trap from which waterfowl may be hunted.