coward

Where does the word "coward" come from? It comes from Latin cauda, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Coward’s story begins in Latin: cauda meant “tail.” The same root as 'coda'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as coart. Possibly from a frightened animal turning tail, or the hare named 'Coart' in the Reynard tales. It reached English by 1200s as coward. 'cowardice' followed soon after. Today, coward means a person who lacks courage.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient cauda "tail", the same root as 'coda'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval coart "one with tail between legs", possibly from a frightened animal turning tail, or the hare named 'Coart' in the Reynard tales.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s coward "a timid person", 'cowardice' followed soon after.