chary

views updated May 18 2018

char·y / ˈche(ə)rē/ • adj. (char·i·er, char·i·est) cautious; wary: most people are chary of allowing themselves to be photographed. ∎  cautious about the amount one gives or reveals.DERIVATIVES: char·i·ly / ˈche(ə)rəlē/ adv.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

chary

views updated Jun 11 2018

chary †sorrowful OE.; †dear, precious XIV; careful, frugal XVI. OE. ċeariġ, = OS. carag, OHG. charag :- WGmc. *karaga, f. *karō CARE; see -Y 1.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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