Main Entry: chary

Pronunciation: \ˈcher-ē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): chari·er; chari·est

Etymology: Middle English, sorrowful, dear, from Old English cearig sorrowful, from caru sorrow — more at care

Date: 15th century

1 archaic : dear, treasured
2 : discreetly cautious: as a : hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks b : slow to grant, accept, or expend <a person very chary of compliments>

synonyms see cautious

— chari·ly \ˈcher-ə-lē\ adverb