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Webster 1913 Edition
Pusillanimous
Puˊsil-lan′i-mous
,Adj.
[L.
pusillanimis
; pusillus
very little (dim. of pusus
a little boy; cf. puer
a boy, E. puerile
) + animus
the mind: cf. F. pusillanime
. See Animosity
.] 1.
Destitute of a manly or courageous strength and firmness of mind; of weak spirit; mean-spirited; spiritless; cowardly; – said of persons,
as, a
. pusillanimous
prince2.
Evincing, or characterized by, weakness of mind, and want of courage; feeble;
“A low and pusillanimous spirit.” as,
. pusillanimous
counselsBurke.
Syn. – Cowardly; dastardly; mean-spirited; fainthearted; timid; weak; feeble.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pusillanimous
PUSILLAN'IMOUS
, a.1.
Destitute of that strength and firmness of mind which constitute courage, bravery and fortitude; being of weak courage; mean spirited; cowardly; applied to persons; as a pusillanimous prince.2.
Proceeding from weakness of mind or want of courage; feeble; as pusillanimous counsels.Definition 2024
pusillanimous
pusillanimous
English
Adjective
pusillanimous (comparative more pusillanimous, superlative most pusillanimous)
- Showing ignoble cowardice, or contemptible timidity [from 16th c.]
- The soldier deserted his troop in a pusillanimous manner.
- 1882 — Mark Twain, On the Decay of the Art of Lying .
- Therefore, the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling.
Related terms
Translations
showing cowardice
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