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Dictionary Language resources

craven

Pronunciation: /ˈkreɪv(ə)n/

Definition of craven

adjective

contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly:a craven abdication of his moral duty

noun

archaic

a cowardly person.

Derivatives

cravenly
cravenness

Origin:

Middle English cravant 'defeated', perhaps via Anglo-Norman French from Old French cravante, past participle of cravanter 'crush, overwhelm', based on Latin crepare 'burst'. The change in the ending in the 17th century was due to association with past participles ending in -en (see -en³)