cowardly

Definition

Showing cowardice; lacking in courage; weakly fearful.

Etymology

From Middle English *cowardly (adjective) and cowardly (adverb), equivalent to coward + -ly. Displaced native Old English earg.

Example Sentences

• "The cowardly rascals that ran from the battle."
• "1780, Edmund Burke, speech at The Guildhall, in Bristol The cowardly rashness of those who dare not look danger in the face."

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