Adjective

(er)

Lacking in courage or confidence.

*{{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)

, chapter=19 citation , passage=When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him. […]. The captive made no resistance and came not only quietly but in a series of eager little rushes like a timid dog on a choke chain.}}

Adjective

(en adjective)

Quiet, modest, reserved, sober, or serious.

She is a demure young lady.

* W. Black

Nan was very much delighted in her demure way, and that delight showed itself in her face and in her clear bright eyes.

* '>citation

Affectedly modest, decorous, or serious; making a show of gravity.

* L'Estrange

A cat lay, and looked so demure , as if there had been neither life nor soul in her.

* Miss Mitford

Miss Lizzy, I have no doubt, would be as demure and coquettish, as if ten winters more had gone over her head.