timid, a.
(ˈtɪmɪd)
[ad. L. timid-us, f. tim-ēre to fear. Cf. F. timide (a 1528 in Godef. Compl.).]
Subject to fear; easily frightened; wanting boldness or courage; fearful, timorous. Rarely const. of (cf. timorous 1 a). Also fig.
| 1549 Compl. Scot. Ep. Ded. 6, I vas lang stupefact ande timide, for falt of ane peremptoir conclusione. 1697 Bentley Phal. 14 Another sort of Proofs, that will affect the most slow Judgments, and assure the most timid or incredulous. 1730–46 Thomson Autumn 401 Poor is the triumph o'er the timid hare. 1764 Museum Rust. II. 270 Lucern..in its infant state..is very tender, and timid of frost. 1841 Elphinstone Hist. Ind. II. 545 The troops became more timid than ever. 1865 Dickens Mut. Fr. iv. xii, Bella was so timid of him. |
b. Characterized by or indicating fear.
| 1741–2 Gray Agrippina 87 Carry to him thy timid counsels. 1812 Wilson Isle of Palms iii. 168 With a timid smile. 1873 Black Pr. Thule vi, She has given him some timid encouragement. |