Extremely cowardly or lacking courage, especially in the face of danger or difficulty. Describes someone who is contemptibly fearful or shows shameful lack of bravery.
From Old French 'cravant,' meaning 'defeated, overcome,' from the verb 'craver' meaning 'to crush or break.' The word entered English in the 13th century, evolving from describing physical defeat to moral cowardice.
Medieval knights would use 'craven' as the ultimate insult, as it suggested not just defeat but surrender without honor. The word carries such strong moral judgment that it's rarely used casually - calling someone craven implies deep character flaw rather than momentary fear.
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