Craven — Defs

01 a. Cowardly; fainthearted; spiritless.

1.
Cowardly; fainthearted; spiritless.
“The poor craven bridegroom said never a word.” — Sir. W. Scott.

“In craven fear of the sarcasm of Dorset.” — Macaulay.

02 n. A recreant; a coward; a weak-hearted, spiritless fellow. See Recreant, n.

1.
A recreant; a coward; a weak-hearted, spiritless fellow. See Recreant, n. See: Recreant
“King Henry. Is it fit this soldier keep his oath? Fluellen. He is a craven and a villain else.” — Shak.

Syn. Coward; poltroon; dastard.

03 v. t. To make recreant, weak, spiritless, or cowardly.

imp. & p. p. Cravened; p. pr. & vb. n. Cravening

1.
To make recreant, weak, spiritless, or cowardly.[Obs.]
“There is a prohibition so divine, That cravens my weak hand.” — Shak.