cowardly

adjectiveadverbattested in dialogue

United Kingdom//ˈkaʊədli//

Showing cowardice; lacking in courage; weakly fearful.

adjective

1
Showing cowardice; lacking in courage; weakly fearful.
The cowardly rascals that ran from the battle.
1780, Edmund Burke, speech at The Guildhall, in Bristol The cowardly rashness of those who dare not look danger in the face.

Etymology

From Middle English *cowardly (adjective) and cowardly (adverb), equivalent to coward + -ly. Displaced native Old English earg.

adverb

1
archaicIn the manner of a coward, cowardlily.
We will not ſteale vpon him cowardly, But giue him warning and more warriours.
I love to follow them, but not so cowardly, as my life remaine thereby in subjection.
[…] men who cowardly and hypocritically subscribe orthodox creeds, whilst they teach a different kind of doctrine!

Forms

comparative: cowardlier, more cowardly
superlative: cowardliest, most cowardly

coward · A person who lacks courage.Coward · A surname originating as an occupation.cowardice · Lack of courage.

cowardly · Showing cowardice; lacking in courage; weakly fearful.

cowboy · A man who tends free-range cattle, especially in the American…cowboys · A pair of kings as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em.Cowboys · A professional football team located in Dallas, Texas.

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