poltroon

/pɑlˈtrun/

Other forms: poltroons

A poltroon is a coward. Poltroons have a lack of courage and fortitude.

Poltroon is an old-fashioned word for a type of person that exists in every time period: a coward. If you behave in a way that shows no courage or confidence, you're acting like a poltroon. In movies, the villains are often poltroons who are sneaky and devious instead of brave and straightforward. A hero is the opposite of a poltroon. Poltroons can be described as craven and abject, but most of all, cowardly.

Definitions of poltroon

1. noun

   an abject coward
   synonyms: craven, recreant

   type of:

   coward

   a person who shows fear or timidity
2. adjective

   characterized by complete cowardliness
   synonyms:

   cowardly, fearful

   lacking courage; ignobly timid and faint-hearted