a. [ Perh. from OF. de murs (i. e., de bonnes murs of good manners); de of + murs, mours, meurs, mors, F. mœurs, fr. L. mores (sing. mos) manners, morals (see Moral); or more prob. fr. OF. meür, F. mûr mature, ripe (see Mature) in a phrase preceded by de, as de mûre conduite of mature conduct. ] 1. Of sober or serious mien; composed and decorous in bearing; of modest look; staid; grave. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sober, steadfast, and demure. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Affectedly modest, decorous, or serious; making a show of gravity. [ 1913 Webster ]

A cat lay, and looked so demure, as if there had been neither life nor soul in her. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]

Miss Lizzy, I have no doubt, would be as demure and coquettish, as if ten winters more had gone over her head. Miss Mitford. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To look demurely. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a demure manner; soberly; gravely; -- now, commonly, with a mere show of gravity or modesty. [ 1913 Webster ]

They . . . looked as demurely as they could; for 't was a hanging matter to laugh unseasonably. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state of being demure; gravity; the show of gravity or modesty. [ 1913 Webster ]