Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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adj
Cowardly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
adj
Borne in the escutcheon with his tail doubled between his legs.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: government, heraldry, hobbies, lifestyle, monarchy, nobility, politics
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
name
A surname originating as an occupation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A person who lacks courage.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: chicken, pullet, scaredy pants, yellowbelly, big baby, baby
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: person
verb
To intimidate.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
a person who shows fear or timidity
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: person, individual, someone, somebody, mortal, soul
Narrower terms: cur, dastard, poltroon, craven, recreant, quaker, trembler, shy person, shrinking violet, sissy, pantywaist, pansy, milksop, Milquetoast, waverer, vacillator, hesitator, hesitater
noun
English dramatist and actor and composer noted for his witty and sophisticated comedies (1899-1973)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: Noel Coward, Sir Noel Pierce Coward
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: actor, histrion, player, thespian, role player, composer, dramatist, playwright
History
From Middle English coward, from Old French coart, cuard ( > French couard), from coue (“tail”), coe + -ard (pejorative agent noun suffix); coue, coe is in turn from Latin cauda. The reference seems to be to an animal "turning tail", or having its tail between its legs, especially a dog. Compare the expression tail between one's legs. Displaced native Old English earg (surviving in northern dialect English argh). Unrelated to cower, which is of Germanic origin.
From Old English cūhierde (“cowherd”). Doublet of Cowherd and cowherd.
Across languages
227 source translations are retained for this English entry.
