leery

adj

Etymology: First attested in 1718, “untrustful, suspicious”, either from leer (“sideward look”) + -y, lear (“learning, knowledge”) + -y. More at leer, lear.

1. Cautious, suspicious, wary, hesitant, or nervous about something; having reservations or concerns.

   “Since he was bitten by a dog when he was young, he has always been leery of animals.”

   ““[…]He was one of their top gun-fighters—always up to his ears in the thick of any fightin' that was goin' on. He never was leery of anything on two feet, I'll say that much for'm.””

2. Sly; artful; knowing.
3. Leering; lecherous or unpleasant.

   “And there was a particularly brutal villain with leery eyes, ugly mouth, with one tooth gone, and an iron jaw like a hull-dog's.”