(n.) An arrant coward; a dastard; a craven; a mean-spirited wretch.
(a.) Base; vile; contemptible; cowardly.
Example Sentences:
(1) Thirty years ago, the incomparable George MacDonald Fraser began the Flashman Papers, going over much the same ground as Henty but with a poltroon as a hero.
(2) When you’re some Heritage Foundation poltroon justifying a law that denies service to people based on who they love because they can obtain alternate services from other businesses, you’re just using market-speak for Separate But Equal.
Recreant
Definition:
(a.) Crying for mercy, as a combatant in the trial by battle; yielding; cowardly; mean-spirited; craven.
(a.) Apostate; false; unfaithful.
(n.) One who yields in combat, and begs for mercy; a mean-spirited, cowardly wretch.