Pusillanimity
/ˌpjuː.sɪˈlæn.ɪ.mɪ.ti/noun
The quality of being timid or lacking courage.
Did you know?The roots of 'pusillanimity' imply a connection to weakness of spirit, reflecting ancient beliefs about courage being tied to one's essence and vitality.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
pusillanimis
“Having a small spirit, cowardly.”
14th Century
Old French
pusillanimité
“Timidity or weakness of spirit.”
Middle English
Middle English
pusillanimitie
“The state of being timid or cowardly.”
Modern English
English
pusillanimity
“A formal term denoting cowardice or a lack of courage.”