How Do You Spell RECREANCY?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈɛkɹiːənsi] (IPA)

The word "Recreancy" is often misspelled due to its uncommon usage in modern English. It is pronounced as /ˈrɛkrənsi/ and refers to the act of disloyalty or cowardice. The spelling of this word is not straightforward, as it can easily be confused with similar words like "recency" or "recurrence". However, with the correct pronunciation and understanding of its meaning, one can use "Recreancy" in the appropriate context to convey a sense of betrayal or lack of courage.

RECREANCY Meaning and Definition

1. Recreancy is a noun that refers to a state of lacking courage, failing in duty, or displaying cowardice. It describes a person's lack of faithfulness, loyalty, or commitment to a particular cause, oath, or responsibility. The term is often used to highlight moral or ethical weakness, particularly in moments of adversity or challenge.

   In a historical context, recreancy was frequently employed to describe acts or behavior deemed dishonorable during wartime or during a crucial moment that demanded bravery. It denotes a betrayal of one's fellow comrades, country, or principles due to fear, self-interest, or trepidation. The term can also be applied in non-military contexts, such as a person shrinking from a responsibility or failing to fulfill a promise or obligation.

   Recreancy can be seen as the opposite of valor, honor, or loyalty. It characterizes a lack of resolution, fortitude, or steadfastness in the face of difficulty, danger, or temptation. Individuals or entities accused of recreancy often face moral reproach or social sanction for their perceived lack of integrity or courage.

   Overall, recreancy encapsulates the notion of moral or ethical failing, emphasizing a lack of courage, loyalty, or steadfastness in fulfilling one's duties or obligations, particularly in challenging circumstances.

2. Mean-spiritedness.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RECREANCY

• recrency
• eecreancy
• decreancy
• fecreancy
• tecreancy
• 5ecreancy
• 4ecreancy
• rwcreancy
• rscreancy
• rdcreancy
• rrcreancy
• r4creancy
• r3creancy
• rexreancy
• revreancy
• refreancy
• redreancy
• receeancy
• recdeancy
• recfeancy

Etymology of RECREANCY

The word recreancy comes from the Old French term recreant, which means defeated or cowardly. It entered the English language in the late 15th century and initially referred to someone who surrendered or abandoned their post in battle, displaying cowardice or lack of bravery. Over time, the term expanded its meaning to encompass any form of cowardice, faithlessness, or lack of loyalty in different contexts beyond warfare. The word ultimately derives from the Latin recrantus, meaning one who yields or cowardly.

Plural form of RECREANCY is RECREANCIES