Craven

n. [Probably from crave, one who craves or begs for his life when vanquished.] [Formerly written also cravant and cravent.] One who, being vanquished in trial by battle, has craved or begged his life of his antagonist; hence, a recreant; a coward; a weak-hearted, spiritless fellow.

King Henry. Is it fit this soldier keep his oath? Fœllen. He is a craven and a villain else. Shak.

Synonyms—Coward; poltroon; dastard. See COWARD.

a. Cowardly with meanness. “A craven heart.” Shak. The poor craven bridegroom said never a word. W. Scott.

(krā'vn), v. t. [imp. & p. p. CRAVENED; p. pr. & vb. n. CRAVENING.] To make recreant, weak, or cowardly. [Obs.]

There is a prohibition so divine, That cravens my weak hand. Shak.