SHY, adjective 1. Fearful of near approach; keeping at a distance through caution or timidity; shunning approach; as a shy bird. She is represented in a shy retiring posture. Addison. 2. Reserved; not familiar; coy; avoiding freedom of intercourse. What makes you so shy, my good friend? Arbuthnot. 3. Cautious; wary; careful to avoid committing one's self or adopting measures. I am very shy of using corrosive liquors in the preparation of medicines. Boyle. 4. Suspicious; jealous. Princes are by wisdom of state somewhat shy of their successors. Wotton.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI