1. To behave with reserve or coyness; to shrink from approach or familiarity. [Obs.] 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.
COYISH
Coy"ish, a.
Defn: Somewhat coy or reserved. Warner.
COYLY
Coy"ly, adv.
Defn: In a coy manner; with reserve.
COYNESS
Coy"ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being coy; feigned o When the kind nymph would coyness feign, And hides but to be found again. Dryden.
Syn.
— Reserve; shrinking; shyness; backwardness; modesty; bashfulness.
COYOTE
Coy"o*te (k"-t or k"t), n. Etym: [Spanish Amer., fr. Mexican coyotl.]
(Zoöl.)