Word of the Week: poltroon (pŏl-TRŌŌN)

Definition

(Noun) An utter coward; a mean-spirited person; a worthless wretch. Also used as a general term of abuse. Now chiefly archaic or humorous.

In Context

“In the 1850s, firearms were still considered ‘cowardly weapons with which the poltroon can slay the bravest.'”

James Fergusson, The World’s Most Dangerous Place: Inside the Outlaw State of Somalia, 2013.