Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Recreant
Rec′re-ant
(-ant)
, Adj.
[OF., cowardly, fr.
recroire
, recreire
, to forsake, leave, tire, discourage, regard as conquered, LL. recredere se
to declare one’s self conquered in combat; hence, those are called recrediti
or recreanti
who are considered infamous; L. pref. re-
again, back + credere
to believe, to be of opinion; hence, originally, to disavow one's opinion. See Creed
.] 1.
Crying for mercy, as a combatant in the trial by battle; yielding; cowardly; mean-spirited; craven.
“This recreant knight.” Spenser.
2.
Apostate; false; unfaithful.
Who, for so many benefits received,
Turned
Turned
recreant
to God, ingrate and false. Milton.
Rec′re-ant
,Noun.
One who yields in combat, and begs for mercy; a mean-spirited, cowardly wretch.
Blackstone.
You are all
recreants
and dastards! Shakespeare
Webster 1828 Edition
Recreant
REC'REANT
,Adj.
1.
Crying for mercy, as a combatant in the trial by battle; yielding; hence, cowardly; mean spirited.2.
Apostate; false.Who for so many benefits receiv'd, turn'd recreant to God, ingrate and false.
REC'REANT
,Noun.