A wiser generation, who have the art to coy the
fonder sort into their nets. --Bp. Rainbow.
2. To caress with the hand; to stroke.
Come sit thee down upon this flowery bed, While I
thy amiable cheeks do coy. --Shak.
Thus to coy it, With one who knows you too! --Rowe.
2. To make difficulty; to be unwilling. [Obs.]
If he coyed To hear Cominius speak, I 'll keep at
home. --Shak.
2. Shrinking from approach or familiarity; reserved; bashful;
shy; modest; -- usually applied to women, sometimes with
an implication of coquetry.
Coy, and difficult to win. --Cowper.
Coy and furtive graces. --W. Irving.
Nor the coy maid, half willings to be pressed, Shall
kiss the cup, to pass it to the rest. --Goldsmith.
3. Soft; gentle; hesitating.
Enforced hate, Instead of love's coy touch, shall
rudely tear thee. --Shak.
Syn: Shy; shriking; reserved; modest; bashful; backward;
distant.