white-livered

[ hwahyt-liv-erd, wahyt- ]

adjective

1. lacking courage; cowardly; lily-livered.
2. lacking in vitality or spirit; pale; unhealthy.

white-livered

adjective

1. lacking in spirit or courage
2. pallid and unhealthy in appearance

Word History and Origins

Origin of white-livered¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

"Gentlemen," said Merry, "I'll be obliged if you will tell me where I can find the white-livered cur who just shot Ben File from this doorway."

From Project Gutenberg

But I see into it, the white-livered villain.

From Project Gutenberg

I have spared him--he's a white-livered hound!--both once and twice, and we must go to the end with it since no better can be!

From Project Gutenberg

Your father and me's had a difference, all along of that clerk of his, Jeremiah, Mrs. Pamflett's white-livered son.

From Project Gutenberg

Lincoln, the abominable, white-livered abolitionist, is President elect of the United States; shall he be permitted to take his seat on Southern soil?

From Project Gutenberg