niddering

[ nid-er-ing ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. a coward.

niddering

/ ˈnɪdərɪŋ /

noun

1. a coward

adjective

1. cowardly

Word History and Origins

Origin of niddering¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; variant of nidering, which is a variant of niding, from nithing, from Old Norse nídhingr “villain, scoundrel, apostate.” The form niddering arose from a misreading of the letter ð (pronounced eth or edh, representing the th- sounds of thin and then ) as an abbreviation for der

Word History and Origins

Origin of niddering¹

C16: a mistaken reading of Old English nithing coward; related to nīth malice

Example Sentences

A niddering who flies for his life at the first approach of danger is not fit to wield a sceptre in these lands.

From Project Gutenberg

"Let but a man stir towards me and this spear flies through thy heart, Niddering," cried Eric.

From Project Gutenberg

If so, I have been told both ways; in some visions, running like a niddering, in others standing firm as a pyramid.

From Project Gutenberg

As to Mr. William Morris, he might be fabled to render Α δειλοί “niddering wights,” but beyond that, conjecture is baffled.

From Project Gutenberg