As an adverb cowardly
is in the manner of a coward.
As an adjective cowardly
is showing cowardice; lacking in courage; basely or weakly fearful.
As a noun pisspants is
(slang|vulgar|derogatory|rare) an objectionable or cowardly person.
cowardly English
Adverb
( en adverb)
In the manner of a coward.
* , Folio Society, 2006, vol.1, p.48:
- I love to follow them, but not so cowardly , as my life remaine thereby in subjection.
Adjective
( en-adj)
Showing cowardice; 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.
Related terms
* coward
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pisspants English
Noun
( -)
(slang, vulgar, derogatory, rare) An objectionable or cowardly person.
* 1965 , Edwin Gilbert, American chrome
- "Christ" — he yawned — "Christ, what the hell is everybody getting so pisspants scared and nervous for? Vince Eames is what? A crook? So?...
* 1983 , Oakley M Hall, The children of the sun
- "You take the part of this pisspants priest against your comrades?" "I do, Caballo!" The old corporal lurched at him with a speed that took him off guard.
* 2002 , Evan Hunter, The Moment She Was Gone
- Her eyes are blazing the way they had that night long ago, when she called my sister a little pisspants . I expect another bowl of mashed potatoes on my head...
* 2006 , Ed McBain, Fiddlers
- "I'll pay them when I get my allowance." "Lorraine, you stole that nail polish." "Don't be such a pisspants ," Lorraine said sharply.
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