poltroon

Definition

An ignoble or total coward; a dastard; a mean-spirited wretch.

Etymology

From Middle French poltron, from Italian poltrone.

Example Sentences

• "Patience is for poltroons, such as he: He durst not sit there, had your father lived."
• "For the Devil’s a Coward in Nature, A pitiful sorry Poltroon; If you take but the Whip, he’ll give you the Slip; And before you can lash him, he’ll run."
• "You damned poltroon, you never tried them!"