poltroon
UK[pɒlˈtruːn]US[pɑːlˈtruːn]
n
a spiritless coward; an utter craven.
Etymology
the word 'poltroon' entered english in the 16th century from the french 'poltron', which itself was borrowed from the italian 'poltrone', meaning 'coward'. the italian term is thought to derive from 'poltro', an old word for a lazy or idle person, which may have originated from a vulgar latin term meaning 'bed' or 'couch' (perhaps related to 'pulpitum', a platform or couch). the semantic logic is vivid: a coward is one who idles or shirks from duty, metaphorically clinging to the comfort and safety of their bed. this journey from a term for idleness or a piece of furniture to a label for a craven individual illustrates how abstract traits are often named through concrete, metaphorical associations.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it entered english as a complete unit from italian, where its form and meaning were already established.
Examples
the general dismissed the soldier as a poltroon who would flee at the first sign of battle.
in the classic tale, the poltroon pretended to be ill to avoid the duel.
his poltroon behavior during the crisis lost him the respect of his peers.