craven

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an abject coward
  2. adjective lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful; ; ; - Spenser

Etymology

From Middle English cravant, either borrowed from Old French cravanté (“defeated”), past participle of cravanter (ultimately from Latin crepare), or a modification of creaunt (“defeated”) after craven (“to crave”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

poltroon, recreant

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