a. 1. Wanting courage; basely or weakly timid or fearful; pusillanimous; spiritless. [ 1913 Webster ] The cowardly rascals that ran from the battle. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Proceeding from fear of danger or other consequences; befitting a coward; dastardly; base; as, cowardly malignity. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] The cowardly rashness of those who dare not look danger in the face. Burke. Syn. -- Timid; fearful; timorous; dastardly; pusillanimous; recreant; craven; faint-hearted; chicken-hearted; white-livered. [ 1913 Webster ] | 