Pusillanimous \Pu`sil*lan"i*mous\, a. [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 prince.
[1913 Webster]
2. Evincing, or characterized by, weakness of mind, and want
of courage; feeble; as, pusillanimous counsels. "A low and
pusillanimous spirit." --Burke.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Cowardly; dastardly; mean-spirited; fainthearted; timid;
weak; feeble.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
pusillanimous
adj : lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution;
contemptibly fearful [syn: poor-spirited, unmanly]
WordNet (r) 2.0
poor-spirited, unmanly
|
|
|