Dictionary entry

Cowardice

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Cow″ard‐ice (–ĭs), n. [F. couardise, fr. couard. See Coward.] Want of courage to face danger; extreme timidity; pusillanimity; base fear of danger or hurt; lack of spirit.

The cowardice of doing wrong.

Milton.

Moderation was despised as cowardice.

Macaulay.