noun
hesitation; reserve; hindrance
Refers to holding back out of respect, diffidence, or fear of causing trouble. Often used in the set phrase 憚りながら (with all due respect). The hindrance nuance is less common as a standalone noun.
憚りながら申し上げますと、その計画には無理があるかと存じます。
With all due respect, I believe that plan may be unreasonable.
彼は遠慮と憚りから、自分の意見を言い出せなかっ
noun
Euphemistic, somewhat dated term for a toilet or washroom, derived from the idea of a place one hesitates to enter or mention directly. Still understood but less common in modern casual speech.
昔の旅館では、はばかりは共同のことが多かった。
In old inns, the washroom was often shared.
Out of diffidence and reserve, he couldn't bring himself to voice his own opinion.
遠慮 is more common for everyday restraint or declining an offer; 憚り is more formal and often implies deference to a superior or social convention.
トイレ is the standard modern word for toilet; 憚り is a dated euphemism.
Derived from the verb 憚る (はばかる, to hesitate or be wary). The noun form 憚り nominalizes this sense. The washroom meaning is a euphemistic extension.