ETYMOLOGY
from Latin verecundus, from vereri (to reverence, fear)
EXAMPLE 1
“…And sum of thame I sall now specifie,
Quhilk to ressoun salbe correspondent.
Than said Venus with vult verecund,
Say quhat ʒe will and keip ʒow within bound
Not pretendand to argune throw ʒour will:
Bot to ressoun that ʒour Sermone resound,
Or ellis the lak to ʒour self sall redound …”
From: Ane treatise callit The Court of Venus deuidit into four buikis
By John Rolland, 1575
EXAMPLE 2
“…In my Father’s house,” says Christ, “are many mansions.” Verily, that appears to be also the case in some of His Scotch Evangelical servants’ houses here. And verecund Mr. McCosh, who will not venture to suggest any better arrangement of the heavens, – has he likewise no suggestion to offer as to the arrangement of No. 23, St. James’s Street?…”
From: Fors Clavigera: Letters to the Workmen and Labourers of Great Britain,
By John Ruskin, 1873
Lexicophilia 