poltroonery
(pɒlˈtruːnərɪ)
[ad. F. poltronnerie (1573 in Hatz.-Darm.), = It. poltroner{iacu}a: see poltroon and -ery.]
The behaviour of a poltroon; † laziness; pusillanimity, cowardice.
| 1590 R. Hichcock Quintess. Wit 35 b, Firste they are industrious, suppliant, modest; and after, with pultronerie and in pride doo lead their age. 1632 B. Jonson Magn. Lady iii. iv, There's no cowardize, No poultrounerie, like urging why? wherefore? 1677 Govt. Venice 125 That 'tis laziness and poltronery to retire from the Government to spend our age in ease. 1770 Langhorne Plutarch (1879) II. 608/2 His poltroonery and mean submission..deserve the greatest reproach. 1897 Gladstone East. Crisis 11 Counsels that had hitherto resulted in a concert of miserable poltroonery. |