coward
cow-ard · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A person who lacks courage in facing danger, difficulty, or pain.
- 2.
A person who shrinks from or avoids challenges.
Forms
plural: cowards
Phrases & expressions
- •coward's way out — an easy but shameful escape from difficulty
Related words
Etymology
From Old French "couard," from "coue" (tail), possibly referring to an animal with its tail between its legs, or from Latin "cauda" (tail). The image suggests a frightened animal turning tail and running.