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

He had never boasted to others of the lady's favour; but he knew that she liked him, and he had told himself that he would be poor-spirited if he abandoned her.

From Is He Popenjoy? by Trollope, Anthony

Bishop Goodman of Gloucester, who, though King James's poor-spirited apologist, admired Ralegh, relates that he had seen and kissed it.

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)

Of all the ways of being proud," I declared, indignantly, "that which depends on your merely accidental position with regard to land and water strikes me as the most poor-spirited.

From The High Heart by King, Basil

Wouldn't trust, but they'll think me a poor-spirited cur, anyway.

From The Manxman A Novel - 1895 by Caine, Hall, Sir