poltrone

lazy fellow, coward

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A uniformed security guard cowers behind an older civilian, clutching his shoulders and using him as a shield while he must face a lunging dog with his walking stick.

noun

poltroon

pahl-TROON/pɑːlˈtruːn/

A person despised for being cowardly.

Etymology

poltroonItalianlazy fellow, coward

Italian poltrone meant both “lazy fellow” and “coward.” English preserves the cowardly side of that meaning, expressing contempt for someone who fails to show courage.

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poltroon