(shī) v.i. shied, shy·ing
1. To start suddenly aside, as in fear: said of a horse.
2. To draw back, as from doubt or caution: with off or away. [<adjective]
—adjective shy·er, shy·est, or shi·er, shi·est
1. Easily frightened or startled, timorous.
2. Bashful; reserved; coy.
3. Circumspect, as from motives of caution; watchful; wary: with of.
4. Not easy to perceive, seize, or secure; elusive: a shy expression.
5. Not prolific: said of plants, trees, or, rarely, birds.
6. Colloq. Having a less amount of money than is called for or required.
7. Short; lacking: often with on.
—noun A starting aside, as in fear. [OE scēoh timid. Akin to ESCHEW.]
—shy′ly adverb
—shy′ness noun

(shī) v.t. & v.i. shied, shy·ing
To throw with a swift, sidelong motion.
—noun plural shies
1. A careless throw; fling, hence, a verbal fling; a sneer.
2. A trial; experiment. [Origin unknown]