What's the difference between poltroon and sluggard?

Poltroon


Definition:

  • (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.

Sluggard


Definition:

  • (n.) A person habitually lazy, idle, and inactive; a drone.
  • (a.) Sluggish; lazy.

Example Sentences:

  • (1) In Proverbs, King Solomon had some advice for those rushing into print with ill-informed opinions: "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise."