coward
/ˈkaʊərd/
noun
Origin
Old French
couard — a person having a tail, tail-bearer
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things.
- A person who is excessively timid or fearful.
Literal older meaning
one who turns tail (from the tail)
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
couard
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term derives from the medieval allegorical tales of Reynard the Fox, where 'Couard' was the specific name given to the hare. Because the hare was perceived as a timid animal that turns its tail to flee from danger, the name transitioned from a proper noun into a common noun meaning a fearful person.
Evolution
- Latin
coda
“tail”
- Old French
coue
“tail”
diminutive of Latin coda
- Old French
couard
“an animal turning its tail in retreat; a coward”
Used initially in the fable of Renart the Fox
- Middle English
coward
“a fearful or base-spirited person”
Adopted from French
Connections
Word parts
coue
root
tail
ard
suffix
characterizing agent
Related across languages
French
couard
cowardly
Spanish
cobarde
coward
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Related to coward
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.