Shy1  —adj. (shyer, shyest or shier, shiest) 1 a timid and nervous in company; self-conscious. B (of animals etc.) Easily startled. 2 (in comb.) Disliking or fearing (work-shy). —v. (shies, shied) 1 (usu. Foll. By at) (esp. Of a horse) turn suddenly aside in fright. 2 (usu. Foll. By away from, at) avoid involvement in. —n. Sudden startled movement.  shyly adv. (also shily). Shyness n. [old english]