Definitions for cowardˈkaʊ ərd

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

cow•ardˈkaʊ ərd(n.)

a person who shows shameful lack of courage or fortitude.
(adj.)of or pertaining to a coward.

Origin of coward:

1175–1225; ME < OF couard-, couart cowardly, der. of coue tail < L cauda

Cow•ardˈkaʊ ərd(n.)

Noel, 1899–1973, English playwright.
Category: Biography

Princeton's WordNet

coward(noun)
a person who shows fear or timidity
Coward, Noel Coward, Sir Noel Pierce Coward(noun)
English dramatist and actor and composer noted for his witty and sophisticated comedies (1899-1973)

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

coward(noun)ˈkaʊ ərd
sb who lacks courage

Wiktionary

coward(Noun)
A person who lacks courage.
coward(Adjective)
Cowardly.

Origin: From coart, cuard ( > French couard), from coe + -ard; is in turn from cauda. The reference seems to be to an animal “turning tail”, or having its tail between its legs, especially a dog.

Webster Dictionary

Coward(adj)
borne in the escutcheon with his tail doubled between his legs; -- said of a lion
Coward(adj)
destitute of courage; timid; cowardly
Coward(adj)
belonging to a coward; proceeding from, or expressive of, base fear or timidity
Coward(noun)
a person who lacks courage; a timid or pusillanimous person; a poltroon
Coward(verb)
to make timorous; to frighten