Etymology Map
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Coward

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person who lacks courage

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

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

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.