Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Modest
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.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.
Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the
modest
wife. Shakespeare
The blushing beauties of a
modest
maid. Dryden.
3.
Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not showing presumption; not excessive or extreme; moderate;
as, a
modest
request; modest
joy.
Syn. – Reserved; unobtrusive; diffident; bashful; coy; shy; decent; becoming; chaste; virtuous.
Webster 1828 Edition
Modest
MOD'EST
,Adj.
1.
Properly, restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as a modest youth; a modest man.2.
Not bold or forward; as a modest maid. The word may be thus used without reference to chastity. The blushing beauties of a modest maid.
3.
Not loose; not lewd. Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife.
4.
Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as a modest request; modest joy; a modest computation.