poor-spirited

American  

[poor-spir-i-tid] / ˈpʊərˈspɪr ɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. having or showing a poor, cowardly, or abject spirit.

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Etymology

Origin of poor-spirited

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

A stinging epitaph, attributed to him with the usual scarcity of evidence, may express his real view of the poor-spirited soldier, the deceitful courtier, the statesman and noble 'that all the world did hate.'

From Sir Walter Ralegh A Biography by Stebbing, W. (William)

The laird of that ilk was a poor-spirited, stupid man.

From The Red True Story Book by Ford, H. J. (Henry Justice)

But his poor-spirited behavior wearied even Alexander, who, willing at the outset to atone for desertion by intervention, became toward the end very cold.

From The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol. III. (of IV.) by Sloane, William Milligan

And to appear poor-spirited in her eyes, too! and to see the others stare at times, and to be aware of quiet glances exchanged, and of meaning eyes!

From The Reckoning by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

Along the coast of Guiana and Venezuela they again came across the gentle Arawak and ferocious Carib, the latter making himself respected everywhere, while his poor-spirited fellow-countryman was alternately caressed and plundered.

From The West Indies and the Spanish Main by Rodway, James