Deferential Frenchman that startled me (4)
I believe the answer is:
meek
'deferential' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'frenchman that startled me' is the wordplay.
'frenchman' becomes 'M' (abbreviation for Monsieur - like 'Mr').
'that startled me' becomes 'eek' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'm'+'eek'='MEEK'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for meek that I've seen before include "Gentle and self-effacing" , "Patient and submissive" , "one who inherits?" , "due a massive inheritance" , "Gentle, timid" .)