Etymology

From Old Portuguese covardia, from covarda, from Old French coart, cuard, from coe ‎(“tail”) + -ard ‎(“pejorative agent noun”); coe is in turn from Latin cauda. The reference seems to be to an animal “turning tail”, or having its tail between its legs, especially a dog.

Pronunciation

• (South Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˌko.vaɻ.ˈd͡ʒi.a/