ˈchicken-ˈhearted, a.
[f. prec. + -ed2.]
Timorous and cowardly as a chicken, faint-hearted.
| 1681 Dryden Prol. Sp. Friar 41 Where 'tis agreed by bullies chicken-hearted To fright the ladies first, and then be parted. 1684 Bunyan Pilgr. ii. 117 He was himself so Chickin-hearted a Man. 1886 Stevenson Treasure Isl. i. iv. 30 Small thanks to you big, hulking, chicken-hearted men. |