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Coy vs Puritanical - What's the difference?

coy | puritanical | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between coy and puritanical

is that coy is bashful, shy, retiring while puritanical is of or pertaining to the Puritans, or to their doctrines and practice.

As nouns the difference between coy and puritanical

is that coy is a trap from which waterfowl may be hunted while puritanical is one who holds puritanical attitudes.

As a verb coy

is to caress, pet; to coax, entice.

coy

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) coi, earlier .

Adjective

(er)
  • (dated) Bashful, shy, retiring.
  • (archaic) Quiet, reserved, modest.
  • Reluctant to give details about something sensitive; notably prudish.
  • Pretending shyness or modesty, especially in an insincere or flirtatious way.
  • Soft, gentle, hesitating.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Enforced hate, / Instead of love's coy touch, shall rudely tear thee.
    Derived terms
    * coyly * coyness

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To caress, pet; to coax, entice.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Come sit thee down upon this flowery bed, / While I thy amiable cheeks do coy .
  • (obsolete) To calm or soothe.
  • To allure; to decoy.
  • * Bishop Rainbow
    • A wiser generation, who have the art to coy the fonder sort into their nets.

    Etymology 2

    Compare decoy.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A trap from which waterfowl may be hunted.

    • References

    * [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=coy&searchmode=none]

    puritanical

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of or pertaining to the Puritans, or to their doctrines and practice.
  • Precise in observance of legal or religious requirements; strict; overscrupulous; rigid; — often used by way of reproach or contempt.

    • Quotations

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • One who holds puritanical attitudes.