lily-livered

American  

[lil-ee-liv-erd] / ˈlɪl iˈlɪv ərd /

adjective

1. weak or lacking in courage; cowardly; pusillanimous.

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lily-livered British  

adjective

1. cowardly; timid

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Etymology

Origin of lily-livered

First recorded in 1595–1605; lily + liver ¹ + -ed ³

Example Sentences

Of course, Paxton isn't just a standout when it comes to being lily-livered.

From Salon

But, he said, the plan faced resistance from “lily-livered, weak-kneed” officials in the White House Counsel’s Office.

From Washington Post

He won't be so hobbled by his lily-livered inability to give a direct order next time, because, frankly, he won't have to.

From Salon

If that happens, they can point to their lily-livered observations and say, “See, we knew it all along.”

From Los Angeles Times

The genre, notorious in the past for its domineering heroes and lily-livered heroines, “really did evolve” over time.

From The Guardian