dastard

[ das-terd ]

noun

1. a mean, sneaking coward.

adjective

1. of or befitting a dastard; mean, sneaky, and cowardly.

dastard

/ ˈdæstəd /

noun

1. archaic.
   a contemptible sneaking coward

Word History and Origins

Origin of dastard¹

1400–50; late Middle English < ?.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dastard¹

C15 (in the sense: dullard): probably from Old Norse dæstr exhausted, out of breath