shy
/ʃaɪ/noun
Definitions
An act of throwing.
A place for throwing.
Example: coconut shy
A sudden start aside, as by a horse.
In the Eton College wall game, a point scored by lifting the ball against the wall in the calx.
verb
Definitions
To avoid due to timidness or caution.
Example: I shy away from investment opportunities I don't understand.
To jump back in fear.
Example: The horse shied away from the rider, which startled him so much he shied away from the horse.
To throw sideways with a jerk; to fling
Example: shy a slipper
adjective
Definitions
Easily frightened; timid.
Reserved; disinclined to familiar approach.
Example: He is very shy with strangers.
Cautious; wary; suspicious.
Short, insufficient or less than.
Example: By our count your shipment came up two shy of the bill of lading amount.