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Definition of Leery
1. Adjective. Openly distrustful and unwilling to confide.
Similar to: Distrustful
Derivative terms: Leer, Suspicion, Suspiciousness, Wariness
Definition of Leery
1. Adjective. Cautious, hesitant, or nervous about something; having reservations or concerns. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Leery
1. suspicious [adj LEERIER, LEERIEST] : LEERILY [adv] - See also: suspicious
Lexicographical Neighbors of Leery
Literary usage of Leery
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Harp of Perthshire: A Collection of Songs, Ballads, and Other Poetical by Robert Ford (1893)
"And on nae place their choice could fix, Tig-a-leery, twig-a-leery, bum, bizz !
They saw a hole beneath a tree, " O! this our dwelling place shall be," They ..."
2. All the Year Round: A Weekly Journal by Charles Dickens (1883)
"leery seemed run to earth. " Oh, bosh ! " said leery, sitting on the table,
swinging his legs freely, affecting an unconcern he didn't feel: "it'll not last ..."
3. Vagabond Songs and Ballads of Scotland: With Many Old and Familiar Melodies by Robert Ford (1901)
"And when the night begins to lower Tig-a-leery, twig-a-leery, bum, bizz ! We'll
hither hie, and here we'll meet, All shielded from the wind and weet, ..."
4. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage by Inc. Merriam-Webster (1994)
"See also LET; LET ALONE. lectern See PODIUM led See LEAD, LED. leery, leary 1.
leery and its less common variant leary have been in use for quite a while: ..."
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