From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Modest \Mod"est\, a. [F. modeste, L. modestus, fr. modus
measure. See Mode.]
1. Restraining within due limits of propriety; not forward,
bold, boastful, or presumptious; rather retiring than
pushing one's self forward; not obstructive; as, a modest
youth; a modest man.
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2. Observing the proprieties of the sex; not unwomanly in act
or bearing; free from undue familiarity, indecency, or
lewdness; decent in speech and demeanor; -- said of a
woman.
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Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife.
--Shak.
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The blushing beauties of a modest maid. --Dryden.
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3. Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not
showing presumption; not excessive or extreme; moderate;
as, a modest request; modest joy.
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Syn: Reserved; unobtrusive; diffident; bashful; coy; shy;
decent; becoming; chaste; virtuous.
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