Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Demure?

\De*mure"\, a. [Perh. from OF. de murs (i. e., de bonnes murs of good manners); de of + murs, mours, meurs, mors, F. m?urs, fr. L. mores (sing. mos) manners, morals (see {Moral}); or more prob. fr. OF. me["u]r, F. m[^u]r mature, ripe (see {Mature}) in a phrase preceded by de, as de m[^u]re conduite of mature conduct.] 1. Of sober or serious mien; composed and decorous in bearing; of modest look; staid; grave. Sober, steadfast, and demure. --Milton. Nan was very much delighted in her demure way, and that delight showed itself in her face and in her clear bright eyes. --W. Black. 2. Affectedly modest, decorous, or serious; making a show of gravity. A cat lay, and looked so demure, as if there had been neither life nor soul in her. --L'Estrange. Miss Lizzy, I have no doubt, would be as demure and coquettish, as if ten winters more had gone over her head. --Miss Mitford.
\De*mure"\, v. i. To look demurely. [Obs.] --Shak.