pusillanimity
[pyoo-suh-luh-nim-i-tee]
- the state or condition of being pusillanimous; timidity; cowardliness.
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Origin of pusillanimity
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word pusillanimitās. See pusillanimous, -ity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for pusillanimity
Contemporary Examples
Once again, Republican pusillanimity in the face of gun fanaticism threatens to gut sane gun legislation in Congress.
Historical Examples
Everybody condemned their pusillanimity in making off without a fight.
The Story of the Malakand Field ForceSir Winston S. Churchill
The pair in the malthouse might have eluded all search but for the steward's pusillanimity.
The Historical Nights' EntertainmentRafael Sabatini
He had been able to compare the energy of Fabian with the pusillanimity of the Senator Tragaduros.
Wood RangersMayne Reid
Indignant at their pusillanimity, he then escaped to Versailles.
The Parisians, CompleteEdward Bulwer-Lytton
They upbraided their commander with pusillanimity, and even treachery.
Great Events in the History of North and South AmericaCharles A. Goodrich
Word Origin and History for pusillanimity
n.
late 14c., from Middle French pusillanimité (14c.), from Church Latin pusillanimitatem (nominative pusillanimitas) "faintheartedness," from Latin pusillanimis "fainthearted, having little courage" (see pusillanimous).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper