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Coy vs Virtuous - What's the difference?

coy | virtuous | Related terms |

Coy is a related term of virtuous.


As adjectives the difference between coy and virtuous

is that coy is (dated) bashful, shy, retiring while virtuous is full of virtue, having excellent moral character.

As a verb coy

is (obsolete) to caress, pet; to coax, entice.

As a noun coy

is a trap from which waterfowl may be hunted.

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]

    virtuous

    English

    Alternative forms

    * vertuous (obsolete) * vertuus (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Full of virtue, having excellent moral character.
  • Synonyms

    * good * righteous

    Derived terms

    * virtuousness