craven Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an abject coward
    recreant; poltroon.
  2. adjective satellite lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
    recreant.
    • the craven fellow turned and ran
    • a craven proposal to raise the white flag
    • this recreant knight"- Spenser

WordNet

Cra"ven adjective
Etymology
OE. cravant, cravaunde, OF. cravant struck down, p. p. of cravanter, crevanter, to break, crush, strike down, fr. an assumed LL. crepantare, fr. L. crepans, p. pr. of crepare to break, crack, rattle. Cf. Crevice, Crepitate.
Definitions
  1. Cowardly; fainthearted; spiritless. "His craven heart." Shak.
    The poor craven bridegroom said never a word. Sir. W. Scott.
    In craven fear of the sarcasm of Dorset. Macualay.
Cra"ven noun
Etymology
Formerly written also cravant and cravent.
Definitions
  1. A recreant; a coward; a weak-hearted, spiritless fellow. See Recreant, n.
    King Henry. Is it fit this soldier keep his oath? Fluellen.He is a craven and a villain else. Shak.
    Syn. -- Coward; poltroon; dastard.
Cra"ven transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Cravened present participle & verbal noun Cravening
Definitions
  1. To make recreant, weak, spiritless, or cowardly. Obs.
    There is a prohibition so divine, That cravens my weak hand. Shak.

Webster 1913