modernness

[Eng. modern; -ne .] The quality or state of being modern; recentne , novelty. mod-est, a . [Fr. modeste , from Lat. modest us = keeping within bounds, modest, from modus a measure; Ital. & Sp. modes to .] 1. Not presumptuous, bold, or arrogant; restrained by a sense of propriety; not forward or boastful; unobtrusive, diffident, bashful, retiring. "Is she not a modest young lady?" Shakesp.: Much Ado about Nothing , i. 1. 2. Indicative of or characterized by modesty in the author or actor; not marked by presumption or boldne ; not extreme; moderate. "Further to boast were neither true nor modest." Shakesp.: Cymbeline, v. 5. 3. Free from indecency or lewdne ; marked by chastity; chaste, decent. "Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife, the virtuous creature." --Shakesp.: Merry Wives of Windsor, iv. 2. 4. Moderate in amount; not exce ive; medium. Diffidence is much the same as shyne , and both arise from timidity. Modesty , apart from its special application to women, may arise from a proper respect for the rights of others or from a proud reserve. *mod ěst-le , a . [Eng. modest ; -le .] Wanting in modesty. "How faithle and how modest le ." Sylvester: First Day, First Week , 410. mod-ěst-lý, adv. [Eng. modest; -ly.] 1. In a modest manner; not boldly, arrogantly, or obtrusively; with due respect. "Know then, and modestly let fall your eyes." Cowper: Conversation, i. 485. 2. Quietly; without show or ostentation. "These like a deluge with impetuous force, Those winding modestly a silent course.' Cowper: Retirement, 78. 3. Not exce ively or extravagantly: moderately. 4. Not loosely or wantonly; chastely, decently; with modest, becoming words. "She modestly prepares to let them know." Shakesp.: Rape of Lucrece , 1,607. mod-ěstě, *mod-es tie, s. [Fr. modestie , from Lat, modest i a , from modest us =modest; Ital. & Sp. modest i a .] 1. The quality or state of being modest; a sense of propriety; freedom from arrogance, boldne , or presumption; unobtrusivene , bashfulne , diffidence; bashful reserve. "True modesty proceeds from a just discernment of propriety, and is frequently connected with exalted ideas of genuine merit."- Cogan : Ethical Treatise , dis. i., ch. iv.