coward

¹

[ kou-erd ]

noun

1. a person who lacks courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition, pain, etc.; a timid or easily intimidated person.

   Synonyms: milksop, recreant, dastard, poltroon, craven

adjective

1. lacking courage; very fearful or timid.
2. proceeding from or expressive of fear or timidity:

   a coward cry.

Coward

²

[ kou-erd ]

noun

1. Noel, 1899–1973, English playwright, author, actor, and composer.

Coward

¹

/ ˈkaʊəd /

noun

1. CowardSir Noël (Pierce)18991973MEnglishTHEATRE: dramatistTHEATRE: actorMUSIC: composer Sir Noël ( Pierce ). 1899–1973, English dramatist, actor, and composer, noted for his sophisticated comedies, which include Private Lives (1930) and Blithe Spirit (1941)

coward

²

/ ˈkaʊəd /

noun

1. a person who shrinks from or avoids danger, pain, or difficulty

Word History and Origins

Origin of coward¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French couard-, couart “cowardly,” from coue “tail” (from Latin cauda, cōda ) + -art -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of coward¹

C13: from Old French cuard, from coue tail, from Latin cauda; perhaps suggestive of a frightened animal with its tail between its legs

Example Sentences

Students in the audience, some with mouths taped shut to symbolize their hunger strike over the issue, reacted with fury, calling out, “Cowards!” and other epithets after the 10-to-6 vote, with one abstention.

From Los Angeles Times

In June, the Oscar nominee lost his footing during a fight scene in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre, and has since been suffering from wrist and neck injuries.

From BBC

The actor had been performing in a fight scene in Player Kings - a new play combining Henry iV, Parts 1 and Part 2 - at London's Noel Coward Theatre when he lost his footing.

From BBC

The 85-year-old veteran actor thanked the public for their many messages of support following his fall at the Noel Coward Theatre on Monday.

From Seattle Times

Sir Ian, 85, has been unavailable to perform since his fall during a live performance of the play at the Noel Coward Theatre.

From BBC

Related Words

• wimp