Modesty

[mod-uh-stee] /ˈmɒd ə sti/

noun, plural modesties.
1.
the quality of being ; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
2.
regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
3.
simplicity; moderation.
/ˈmɒdɪstɪ/
noun (pl) -ties
1.
the quality or condition of being modest
2.
(modifier) designed to prevent inadvertent exposure of part of the body: a modesty flap
n.

1530s, “freedom from exaggeration, self-control,” from Middle French modestie or directly from Latin modestia “moderation, sense of honor, correctness of conduct,” from modestus “moderate, keeping measure, sober, gentle, temperate,” from modus “measure, manner” (see mode (n.1)). Meaning “quality of having a moderate opinion of oneself” is from 1550s; that of “womanly propriety” is from 1560s.

La pudeur donne des plaisirs bien flatteurs à l’amant: elle lui fait sentir quelles lois l’on transgresse pour lui; (Modesty both pleases and flatters a lover, for it lays stress on the laws which are being transgressed for his sake.) [Stendhal “de l’Amour,” 1822]