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 • Sep. 27, 2022

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2021

The lily-livered had best stay at home, because an evening with Lydia Lunch isn’t a performance; it’s an exorcism.

From New York Times • Sep. 15, 2016

Any lily-livered England fans who wished for rain this morning – that’s what you get.

From The Guardian • Jul. 29, 2015

“The fire-eater's in love with Resa, I said, he’d devour her with his eyes if he could, but the others wouldn't believe me. All the same—to think of a lily-livered coward like you venturing here!”

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke