n. The quality of being bashful. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Bashfulness, Modesty, Diffidence, Shyness. Modesty arises from a low estimate of ourselves; bashfulness is an abashment or agitation of the spirits at coming into contact with others; diffidence is produced by an undue degree of self-distrust; shyness usually arises from an excessive self-consciousness, and a painful impression that every one is looking at us. Modesty of deportment is becoming in all; bashfulness often gives rise to mistakes and blundering; diffidence in society frequently makes a man a burden to himself; shyness usually produces a reserve or distance which is often mistaken for haughtiness. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ See Bash. ] 1. Abashed; daunted; dismayed. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Very modest, or modest to excess; constitutionally disposed to shrink from public notice; indicating extreme or excessive modesty; shy; as, a bashful person, action, expression. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Diffident; retiring; reserved; shamefaced; sheepish. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a bashful manner. [ 1913 Webster ]