The Only Use of
demure
in
The Merchant of Venice
- Signior Bassanio, hear me: If I do not put on a sober habit, Talk with respect, and swear but now and then, Wear prayer-books in my pocket, look demurely, Nay more, while grace is saying, hood mine eyes Thus with my hat, and sigh, and say 'amen'; Use all the observance of civility, Like one well studied in a sad ostent To please his grandam, never trust me more.†
Scene 2.2demurely = in a quiet, modest, or shy manner OR (more rarely) pretending shyness in a playful way
Definition:
modest, quiet, and shy; or pretending such in a playful way