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Webster 1913 Edition

Pusillanimous

Puˊsil-lan′i-mous

,
Adj.
[L.
pusillanimis
;
pusillus
very little (dim. of
pusus
a little boy; cf.
puer
a boy, E.
puerile
) +
animus
the mind: cf. F.
pusillanime
. See
Animosity
.]
1.
Destitute of a manly or courageous strength and firmness of mind; of weak spirit; mean-spirited; spiritless; cowardly; – said of persons,
as, a
pusillanimous
prince
.
2.
Evincing, or characterized by, weakness of mind, and want of courage; feeble;
as,
pusillanimous
counsels
.
“A low and pusillanimous spirit.”
Burke.
Syn. – Cowardly; dastardly; mean-spirited; fainthearted; timid; weak; feeble.

Webster 1828 Edition

Pusillanimous

PUSILLAN'IMOUS

, a.
1.
Destitute of that strength and firmness of mind which constitute courage, bravery and fortitude; being of weak courage; mean spirited; cowardly; applied to persons; as a pusillanimous prince.
2.
Proceeding from weakness of mind or want of courage; feeble; as pusillanimous counsels.

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