courage Meaning, Definition & Usage

Cour"age noun

Etymology

OE. corage heart, mind, will, courage, OF. corage, F. courage, fr. a LL. derivative of L. cor heart. See Heart.

Definitions

1. The heart; spirit; temper; disposition. Obs.

   So priketh hem nature in here corages. Chaucer.

   My lord, cheer up your spirits; our foes are nigh, and this soft courage makes your followers faint. Shak.

2. Heart; inclination; desire; will. Obs. Chaucer.

   I'd such a courage to do him good. Shak.

3. That quality of mind which enables one to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear, or fainting of heart; valor; boldness; resolution.

   The king-becoming graces . . . Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude, I have no relish of them. Shak.

   Courage that grows from constitution often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it. Addison.

   Syn. -- Heroism; bravery; intrepidity; valor; gallantry; daring; firmness; hardihood; boldness; dauntlessness; resolution. See Heroism. -- Courage, Bravery, Fortitude, Intrepidity, Gallantry, Valor. Courage is that firmness of spirit and swell of soul which meets danger without fear. Bravery is daring and impetuous courage, like that of one who has the reward continually in view, and displays his courage in daring acts. Fortitude has often been styled "passive courage," and consist in the habit of encountering danger and enduring pain with a steadfast and unbroken spirit. Valor is courage exhibited in war, and can not be applied to single combats; it is never used figuratively. Intrepidity is firm, unshaken courage. Gallantry is adventurous courage, which courts danger with a high and cheerful spirit. A man may show courage, fortitude, or intrepidity in the common pursuits of life, as well as in war. Valor, bravery, and gallantry are displayed in the contest of arms. Valor belongs only to battle; bravery may be shown in single combat; gallantry may be manifested either in attack or defense; but in the latter ease, the defense is usually turned into an attack.