Difference between revisions of "Cowardice"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] cowardise, from Anglo-French coardise, from cuard | [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] cowardise, from Anglo-French coardise, from cuard | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century] |
| − | According to the [ | + | According to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Etymology_Dictionary Online Etymology Dictionary], the word coward came into [[English]] from the Old French word coart (modern French [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/couard couard]), a combination of the word for "tail" (Modern French queue, [[Latin]] cauda) and an agent noun suffix. It would therefore have meant "one with a tail" — perhaps from the [[habit]] of [[animals]] displaying their tails in flight ("turning tail"), or from a dog's [[habit]] of putting its tail between its legs when it is afraid. Like many other [[English]] words of French [[origin]], this [[word]] was introduced in the [[English]] language by the French-speaking Normans, after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_conquest_of_England Norman conquest of England] in 1066. |
The [[English]] surname Coward (as in Noël Coward), however, has the same [[origin]] and [[meaning]] as the word "cowherd". | The [[English]] surname Coward (as in Noël Coward), however, has the same [[origin]] and [[meaning]] as the word "cowherd". | ||
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* lack of [[courage]] or resolution | * lack of [[courage]] or resolution | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | '''Cowardice''' is the [[perceived]] failure to [[demonstrate]] sufficient robustness and [[courage]] in the face of a [[challenge]]. Under many [[military]] codes of [[justice]], cowardice in the face of combat is a [[crime]] punishable by [[death]] (cf. [ | + | '''Cowardice''' is the [[perceived]] failure to [[demonstrate]] sufficient robustness and [[courage]] in the face of a [[challenge]]. Under many [[military]] codes of [[justice]], cowardice in the face of combat is a [[crime]] punishable by [[death]] (cf. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_at_dawn shot at dawn]). The term describes a [[personality]] trait which is viewed as a [[negative]] characteristic and has been frowned upon (see norms) within most, if not all global [[cultures]], while [[courage]], typically viewed as its direct [[opposite]], is generally rewarded and encouraged. |
Cowards are usually seen to have avoided or refused to [[engage]] in a [[confrontation]] or [[struggle]] which has been deemed [[good]] or [[righteous]] by the wider [[culture]] in which they live. On a more mundane level, the label may be applied to those who are regarded as too frightened or overwhelmed to defend their rights or those of others from aggressors in their lives. | Cowards are usually seen to have avoided or refused to [[engage]] in a [[confrontation]] or [[struggle]] which has been deemed [[good]] or [[righteous]] by the wider [[culture]] in which they live. On a more mundane level, the label may be applied to those who are regarded as too frightened or overwhelmed to defend their rights or those of others from aggressors in their lives. | ||
| − | Acts of cowardice have long been punishable by [[military]] [[law]], which defines a wide range of cowardly offenses including desertion in face of the enemy and [[surrender]]ing to the enemy against orders. The [[punishment]] for such acts is typically severe, ranging from [ | + | Acts of cowardice have long been punishable by [[military]] [[law]], which defines a wide range of cowardly offenses including desertion in face of the enemy and [[surrender]]ing to the enemy against orders. The [[punishment]] for such acts is typically severe, ranging from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment corporal punishment] to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_sentence death sentence]. Cowardly [[conduct]] is specifically mentioned within the United States [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_Code_of_Military_Justice Uniform Code of Military Justice]. |
[[Category: Law]] | [[Category: Law]] | ||
[[Category: Psychology]] | [[Category: Psychology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:45, 12 December 2020
Origin
Middle English cowardise, from Anglo-French coardise, from cuard
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word coward came into English from the Old French word coart (modern French couard), a combination of the word for "tail" (Modern French queue, Latin cauda) and an agent noun suffix. It would therefore have meant "one with a tail" — perhaps from the habit of animals displaying their tails in flight ("turning tail"), or from a dog's habit of putting its tail between its legs when it is afraid. Like many other English words of French origin, this word was introduced in the English language by the French-speaking Normans, after the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
The English surname Coward (as in Noël Coward), however, has the same origin and meaning as the word "cowherd".
Definition
- lack of courage or resolution
Description
Cowardice is the perceived failure to demonstrate sufficient robustness and courage in the face of a challenge. Under many military codes of justice, cowardice in the face of combat is a crime punishable by death (cf. shot at dawn). The term describes a personality trait which is viewed as a negative characteristic and has been frowned upon (see norms) within most, if not all global cultures, while courage, typically viewed as its direct opposite, is generally rewarded and encouraged.
Cowards are usually seen to have avoided or refused to engage in a confrontation or struggle which has been deemed good or righteous by the wider culture in which they live. On a more mundane level, the label may be applied to those who are regarded as too frightened or overwhelmed to defend their rights or those of others from aggressors in their lives.
Acts of cowardice have long been punishable by military law, which defines a wide range of cowardly offenses including desertion in face of the enemy and surrendering to the enemy against orders. The punishment for such acts is typically severe, ranging from corporal punishment to the death sentence. Cowardly conduct is specifically mentioned within the United States Uniform Code of Military Justice.
