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

1archaic : dear, treasured2: 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