half-scared

Of later years these booths have degenerated into mere toy-shops, where the little loiterers chiefly interested in such wares are tempted to linger, enchanted by the rich display of hobby-horses, babies, and Dutch toys, arranged in artful and gay confusion; yet half-scared by the cross looks of the withered pantaloon, or spectacled old lady, by whom these tempting stores are watched and superintended.

The Heart of Mid-Lothian 2007

‘Ah!’ cried Doña Carlota, looking at the other woman with intelligent, half-scared eyes, and swinging the key of the boat.

The Plumed Serpent 2003

Everyone was staring at him; Seamus looked half-scared, half-fascinated.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Rowling, J. K. 2003

He could never tell her the depth of his feelings for her, especially not while she acted half-scared of him now.

A Man Of Honour Leonard, Tina 2001

Eddy gave him a look which was half-defiant, half-scared, and I saw that he too was dependent on Harry for his food and shelter, that it couldn't be all that easy out in the big cynical world for murderers 'assistants to earn a cushy living, that looking after Harry wasn't a job to be lightly lost.

Twice shy Francis, Dick, 1920- 1981

She sensed hostility as soon as she came in and looked round, half-scared.

The Second Form at Malory Towers Blyton, Enid, 1898?-1968 1970

He sent someone with me - a small nervous Hindu, half-scared of himself or of someone, perhaps of Pangsapa - to find Kuo the Mongolian and look at him.

The 9th Directive Hall, Adam 1966

It wasn't Snubby knocking this time - he was there at the table with them, listening, half-scared.

The Rat-A-Tat Mystery Blyton, Enid 1966

She struggled to an upright sitting position and forced a wan smile, half-scared, half-mocking.

When Eight Bells Toll MacLean, Alistair, 1922-1987 1966

The boy backed away, feeling suddenly half-scared at the earnest gaze of the four children.

The Mystery of the Vanished Prince Blyton, Enid, 1898?-1968 1966