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Added 9 October 2026

recreant

/ˈɹɛkɹɪənt/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about recreant at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

An abject coward.
A disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.

adjective

Having deserted a cause or principle.
some provinces had proved recreant
Lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful.
the craven fellow turned and ran

Origin

From Middle English recreaunt, from Anglo-Norman and Middle French recreant (“defeated”), from recroire (“to yield in a trial by combat, surrender allegiance”). Compare miscreant.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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