coy

Etymology 1

From Middle English coy, from Old French coi, earlier quei (“quiet, still”), from Latin quiētus (“resting, at rest”). Doublet of quiet.

adj

1. (dated) Bashful, shy, retiring.
2. (archaic) Quiet, reserved, modest.
3. Reluctant to give details about something sensitive; notably prudish.
4. Pretending shyness or modesty, especially in an insincere or flirtatious way.
   The ill-bred miss, the bird-brained Jill, / May simper and be coy at will; / A lady, sir, as you will find, / Keeps counsel, or she speaks her mind, / Means what she says and scorns to fence / And palter with feigned innocence. 1981, A. D. Hope, “His Coy Mistress to Mr. Marvell”, in A Book of Answers
5. Soft, gentle, hesitating.

verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To caress, pet; to coax, entice.
2. (transitive, obsolete) To calm or soothe.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To allure; to decoy.
   For now there are ſprung up a wiſer generation in this kind, who have the Art to coy the fonder ſort into their nets 1635, Edward Rainbowe, Labour Forbidden, and Commanded. A Sermon Preached at S Pauls Church, September 28. 1634., London: Nicholas Vavasour, page 29

Etymology 2

Compare decoy.

noun

1. A trap from which waterfowl may be hunted.

Etymology 3

Abbreviation of company.

noun

1. (military) A company