Skittish

Nervous, in a tense, mildly fearful sort of way. As if a single hint of challenge could cause a person to reflexively scamper away with impressive speed.

Skit"tish (?), a. [See Skit, v. t.]

1.

Easily frightened; timorous; shy; untrustworthy; as, a skittish colt.

L'Estrange.

2.

Wanton; restive; freakish; volatile; changeable; fickle.

Shak.

-- Skit"tish*ly, adv. -- Skit"tish*ness, n.

© Webster 1913.