poltroon Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an abject coward
    recreant; craven.
  2. adjective satellite characterized by complete cowardliness

WordNet

Pol*troon" noun
Etymology
F. poltron, from It. poltrone an idle fellow, sluggard, coward, poltro idle, lazy, also, bed, fr. OHG. polstar, bolstar, cushion, G. polster, akin to E. bolster. See Bolster.
Definitions
  1. An arrant coward; a dastard; a craven; a mean-spirited wretch. Shak.
Pol*troon" adjective
Definitions
  1. Base; vile; contemptible; cowardly.

Webster 1913