The word "demure" has an interesting and somewhat uncertain etymology. While it likely originates from Old French and Latin, its precise path through English is not fully clear.  The word is thought to have roots in Old French words like "meur" (meaning "mature, ripe, serious") and "demorer" (meaning "to stay, to delay").  The Old French "meur" is derived from Latin "maturus" (meaning "mature").  The Anglo-French form became "demure" in Middle English, and Initially, "demure" meant "sober, grave, serious."  But over time, its meaning shifted towards "affectedly modest, reserved, or coy,". 

The word "demure" was first used in English in the Middle English period, between 1350 and 1400.   Specifically, the earliest documented use is from 1377.  The earliest known use of the verb demure is in the early 1600s. OED's earliest evidence for demure is from before 1616, in the writing of William Shakespeare, playwright and poet.  He used it meaning "to look demurely," but only the older adjective form has persisted. 

Examples of demure used in a sentence:  
"She wore a demure knee-length skirt." 
"I masked my true feelings with a demure smile." 
"The Amish women are typically quiet, demure, and soft-spoken" 
"How could she be so demure one second, and such a raging animal the next?" 
"She smiled demurely."
"Demure clothes do not reveal your body and they give the impression that you are shy and behave correctly."
"She was wearing a demure high-necked white blouse." 
"She is very demure and sweet." 

I don't think I've ever been called demure. Lots of other adjectives, but not demure.

49 minutes ago, Paladin said:

I don't think I've ever been called demure. Lots of other adjectives, but not demure.

Maybe you need to go to "Charm" school.  🤪    

1 hour ago, Bill W said:

Maybe you need to go to "Charm" school.  🤪    

Demurely, I would suggest too little too late!

Just the facts:

DEMURE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

For drpaladin

DEMUR Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster