cowardly

Etymology

From Middle English *cowardli (adjective) and couardli (adverb), equivalent to coward +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkaʊədli/

Adjective

cowardly (comparative cowardlier or more cowardly, superlative cowardliest or most cowardly)

1. Showing cowardice; coward; lacking in courage; basely or weakly fearful.
   • Shakespeare

     The cowardly rascals that ran from the battle.

   • Burke

     The cowardly rashness of those who dare not look danger in the face.

Adverb

cowardly (comparative more cowardly, superlative most cowardly)

1. (archaic) In the manner of a coward, cowardlily.
   • 1603, John Florio, transl.; Michel de Montaigne, The Essayes, […], printed at London: […] Edward Blount […], OCLC 946730821:
     , Folio Society, 2006, vol.1, p.48:

     I love to follow them, but not so cowardly, as my life remaine thereby in subjection.

   • 1828, John Paul, A Refutation of Arianism

     […] men who cowardly and hypocritically subscribe orthodox creeds, whilst they teach a different kind of doctrine!