Coy

来自Big Physics

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Middle English: from Old French coi, quei, from Latin quietus (see quiet). The original sense was ‘quiet, still’ (especially in behaviour), later ‘modestly retiring’, and hence (of a woman) ‘affecting to be unresponsive to advances’.


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wiktionary

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From Middle English coy, from Old French coi, earlier quei(“quiet, still”), from Latin quietus(“resting, at rest”). Doublet of quiet.

Compare decoy.

Abbreviation of company.


etymonline

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coy (adj.)

early 14c., "quiet, modest, demure," from Old French coi, earlier quei "quiet, still, placid, gentle," ultimately from Latin quietus "free; calm, resting" (from PIE root *kweie- "to rest, be quiet"). Meaning "shy, bashful" emerged late 14c. Meaning "unwilling to commit" is by 1961. Related: Coyly; coyness.