Poltroonery is a term used to describe behavior that is cowardly or lacking in moral courage. The spelling of this word may seem unusual, but it can be broken down phonetically to better understand its pronunciation. The "p" is pronounced as "puh," the "o" as "ah," followed by the "l" sound. The "t" is pronounced like a soft "d," and the "r" is rolled. The final syllables are pronounced as "oon-er-ee." Despite its complexity, poltroonery remains an important word for describing cowardly actions.
Poltroonery is a noun that refers to the behavior, attitude, or characteristic of being a poltroon. A poltroon is a contemptible, cowardly, or craven individual who lacks courage, bravery, or moral fortitude in times of adversity, danger, or confrontation.
Derived from the French word "poultroon," meaning a coward, poltroonery encompasses the quality or state of being a coward or acting in a cowardly manner. It implies a lack of bravery or the inability to face challenges or take a stand when faced with difficult or dangerous situations. Poltroonery suggests a person's inclination to shy away from conflict, often driven by fear or a strong desire to avoid any form of confrontation.
This term is often used in a derogatory manner to describe someone who exhibits weakness, lack of bravery, or a moral deficit when it comes to standing up for what is right or facing difficult decisions. It implies a lack of honor, integrity, or adherence to principles, often resulting in a person displaying ineffective or selfish behavior.
By labeling someone's actions or attitudes as poltroonery, it highlights their failure to exhibit courage, make tough decisions, or act in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of bravery or moral strength. This term is commonly employed in literary works, political discourse, or rhetoric to criticize individuals who show an acute lack of courage or moral character.
Baseness of mind; want of spirit.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "poltroonery" is derived from the noun "poltroon", which was originally used in the late 16th century to describe a complete coward or a base or contemptible person. The etymology of "poltroon" can be traced back to the Italian word "poltrone", meaning "lazy" or "cowardly". It is thought to have entered the English language through French, where it was spelled as "poultron" or "poultronnerie". Over time, "poltroon" acquired the suffix "-ery", which is often used to form nouns from adjectives indicating a quality or characteristic. Consequently, "poltroonery" refers to the behavior or characteristic of being a poltroon, that is, displaying cowardice or contemptible behavior.