1. Shy, self-conscious, and awkward in the presence of others. See synonyms at shy¹.
2. Characterized by, showing, or resulting from shyness, self-consciousness, or awkwardness.

[From Middle English basshe, from basshed, past participle of basshen, to be discomfited, probably variant of abaishen. See abash.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.