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Synonyms for poltroon

Grammar : Noun
Spell : pol-troon
Phonetic Transcription : pɒlˈtrun


Définition of poltroon

Origin :
  • "A coward; a nidgit; a scoundrel" [Johnson, who spells it poltron], 1520s, from Middle French poultron "rascal, coward" (16c., Modern French poltron), from Italian poltrone "lazy fellow, coward," apparently from *poltro "couch, bed" (cf. Milanese polter, Venetian poltrona "couch"), perhaps from a Germanic source (cf. Old High German polstar "pillow;" see bolster (n.)). Cf. also -oon.
  • noun chicken
Example sentences :
  • He was certainly no poltroon, but he felt that she was right.
  • Extract from : « Nana, The Miller's Daughter, Captain Burle, Death of Olivier Becaille » by Emile Zola
  • "I am not a poltroon though," he said to himself as he finished dressing.
  • Extract from : « Therese Raquin » by Emile Zola
  • He had slipped away like the poltroon that he was, leaving Peter to his fate.
  • Extract from : « The Vagrant Duke » by George Gibbs
  • This is the charge which will always make the poltroon squirm.
  • Extract from : « Henry IV, Makers of History » by John S. C. Abbott
  • If it was that poltroon, Ferdinand, I would have him thrown out by my lackeys.
  • Extract from : « Secret Memoirs: The Story of Louise, Crown Princess » by Henry W. Fischer
  • Poltroon were he who had gone to bed before twelve on Noche-buena.
  • Extract from : « Christmas: Its Origin and Associations » by William Francis Dawson
  • A traitor is a despicable character, while a poltroon is only contemptible.
  • Extract from : « The Verbalist » by Thomas Embly Osmun, (AKA Alfred Ayres)
  • He had played the villain, perhaps, but he would not play the poltroon.
  • Extract from : « The Call of the Blood » by Robert Smythe Hichens
  • Far be from me such disgrace as that, like a poltroon, I should stain my arms by flight.
  • Extract from : « Historic Boys » by Elbridge Streeter Brooks
  • The likes o' ye an' that poltroon, Jay, up there in New York.
  • Extract from : « The Loyalist » by James Francis Barrett

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019