Meaning of coward in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈkaʊ(ə)rd/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Noun

    coward

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French couard, based on Latin cauda‘tail’, possibly with reference to a frightened animal with its tail between its legs, reflected in coward (sense 2 of the adjective) (early 16th century)

    Definitions

    1. a person who shows fear or timidity

    Derived terms

  2. 2. English dramatist and actor and composer noted for his witty and sophisticated comedies (1899-1973)

Famous quotes

  • « It is vain for the coward to flee death follows close behind it is only by defying it that the brave escape. »
    Voltaire
  • « President Kennedy was willing to go to war. He was not a coward. The man had been in war and so had Ken O'Donnell. He was ready to protect this nation, but he was not ready for a military solution just because it was being rammed down his throat. »
    Kevin Costner
  • « Despair gives courage to a coward. »
    Thomas Fuller
  • « The coward sneaks to death the brave live on. »
    George Sewell
  • « Courage and conviction are powerful weapons against an enemy who depends only on fists or guns. Animals know when you are afraid a coward knows when you are not. »
    David Seabury

Browse dictionary