Definition of coy

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coy    (koi) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
coy·er, coy·est

1. Tending to avoid people and social situations; reserved.
2. Affectedly and usually flirtatiously shy or modest. See Synonyms at shy¹.
3. Annoyingly unwilling to make a commitment.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French quei, coi, quiet, still, from Vulgar Latin *qutus, from Latin quitus, past participle of quiscere, to rest; see k^wei- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
coyly(Adverb), coyness(Noun)