pot-valiant

American  

[pot-val-yuhnt] / ˈpɒtˌvæl yənt /

adjective

1. brave only as a result of being drunk.

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Other Word Forms

• pot-valiancy noun
• pot-valiantly adverb
• pot-valor noun

Etymology

Origin of pot-valiant

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

He heard not a few loyal home-made songs, by the red-hot braggarts, pot-valiant and full of "gentle minstrelsie," as they trolled lustily past his lodging.

From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 by Roby, John

Valiant or pot-valiant, great was his relief at finding himself clasped, instead of by a loathsome spectre, by a silver-haired man of noble presence, yet with a countenance indescribably haggard and anxious.

From The Twilight of the Gods, and Other Tales by Garnett, Richard

Now, poor old Mole had on occasions been what is called pot-valiant.

From Jack Harkaway and His Son's Escape from the Brigand's of Greece by Hemyng, Bracebridge

And when next they met, the pot-valiant squireen would chuckle proudly, "Faith, yon was a night."

From The House with the Green Shutters by Brown, George Douglas

With pot-valiant courage they declare their intention of seeking out and slaying this false traitor Death, and without more ado set forth on the quest.

From Chaucer and His Times by Hadow, Grace E.