adjective, char·i·er, char·i·est.
- cautious or careful; wary: He was chary of investing in oil wells.
- shy; timid.
- fastidious; choosy: She is excessively chary about her friends.
- sparing (often followed by of): chary of his praise.
adjective charier or chariest
- wary; careful
- choosy; finicky
- shy
- sparing; mean
Old English cearig “sorrowful” (see care (n.)). Sense evolved 16c. from “full of care” to “careful.” Cognate with Old Saxon carag, Old High German charag “sorrow, trouble, care.” Related: Charily; chariness.