3 entries under this word
a. [O. Fr. coy, coi, coit, It. cheto, Sp. & Pg. quedo, from Lat. quietus, quiet, p. p. of quiescere, to rest, from quies, rest.] Shrinking from approach or familiarity; reserved; not accessible; shy; strange. “Coy and furtive graces.” W. Irving.
Like Phœbus sung the no less amorous boy, Like Daphne she, as lovely and as coy. Waller.
Synonyms—Shy; shrinking; reserved; modest; bashful; backward; distant. See SHY.
Sense 1. To allure; to entice. [Obs.] I'll mountebank their loves, Coy their hearts from them. 2. To caress with the hand; to stroke. Come sit thee down upon this flowery bed, While I thy amiable cheeks do coy.
v. i. 1. To behave with reserve; to be silent or distant; to shrink from approach or familiarity.
Thus to coy it, With one who knows you too! Rowe.
Sense 2. To make difficulty; to be backward or unwilling; not freely to condescend.
If he coyed To hear Cominius speak, I'll keep at home. Shak.