Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MOD'EST, a. [Fr. modeste; L. modestus, from modus, a limit.]

1. Properly, restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as, a modest youth; a modest man.
2. Not bold or forward; as, a modest maid. The word may I be thus used without reference to chastity. The blushing beauties of a modest maid. Dryden.
3. Not loose; not lewd. Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife. Shak.
4. Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as, a modest request; modest joy; a modest computation. Addison.