chary








adjective, char·i·er, char·i·est.

  1. cautious or careful; wary: He was chary of investing in oil wells.
  2. shy; timid.
  3. fastidious; choosy: She is excessively chary about her friends.
  4. sparing (often followed by of): chary of his praise.

adjective charier or chariest

  1. wary; careful
  2. choosy; finicky
  3. shy
  4. sparing; mean
adj.

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.

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