bashful Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite self-consciously timid; lowering my head, I looked at the wall"- Ezra Pound
    • I never laughed, being bashful
  2. adjective satellite disposed to avoid notice; (`blate' is a Scottish term for bashful)
    blate.
    • they considered themselves a tough outfit and weren't bashful about letting anybody know it

WordNet

Bash"ful adjective
Etymology
See Bash.
Definitions
  1. Abashed; daunted; dismayed. Obs.
  2. Very modest, or modest excess; constitutionally disposed to shrink from public notice; indicating extreme or excessive modesty; shy; as, a bashful person, action, expression. Syn. -- Diffident; retiring; reserved; shamefaced; sheepish.

Webster 1913