chicken-livered

[ chik-uhn-liv-erd ]

/ ˈtʃɪk ənˈlɪv ərd /

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adjective Informal.

timid; fearful; cowardly.

QUIZ

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Question 1 of 7

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Origin of chicken-livered

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Wearing the right foot of a chicken was considered good luck.
The History of the Chicken: How This Humble Bird Saved Humanity|William O’Connor|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
While the chicken today might be the least exotic bird one can think of, it was once a gift that wowed kings.
The History of the Chicken: How This Humble Bird Saved Humanity|William O’Connor|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The chicken, to this day, is valued for its medicinal properties.
The History of the Chicken: How This Humble Bird Saved Humanity|William O’Connor|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In Rome, he writes, the chicken “predicted the outcome of battles.”
The History of the Chicken: How This Humble Bird Saved Humanity|William O’Connor|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Lawler is more interested in the more fascinating story of how the chicken spread.
The History of the Chicken: How This Humble Bird Saved Humanity|William O’Connor|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Squinty could look out, but the slats were as close together as those in a chicken coop, and the little pig could not get out.
Squinty the Comical Pig|Richard Barnum
So Hettie put the chicken in a cage, with some wool to cover it, and fed it several times every day, till it came to know her.
The Nursery, July 1873, Vol. XIV. No. 1|Various
Lyn was no chicken-hearted weakling, to sit down and weep unavailingly in time of peril.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
Not so much, either; 'cause a chicken will stir round an' scratch a livin' out the ground, sooner 'n starve.
Dorothy at Skyrie|Evelyn Raymond
There was no one who could make such excellent coffee or fry a chicken so golden brown as she.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin