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craven

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A coward; lacking courage or spirit—often used pejoratively in heroic or chivalric poetry to denote moral weakness.

Detailed Definition
“Craven” functions as both noun and adjective to denote abject fear. In chivalric poetry, it is the ultimate insult, contrasting with knightly valor. Its use intensifies moral judgment—cowardice as sin, not just weakness. Poets deploy it in battle scenes or trials of honor, where courage defines identity. The word’s harsh consonants mirror contempt, making it effective in invective or heroic contrast.
Example
Example in poetry:
"Thou craven dog, show some courage!" thunders the general; In Shakespeare’s Henry V: "Thou craven, thou ungracious boy!"; "Craven fear stayed his hand," a line of tragic hesitation; Milton uses "craven" to describe fallen angels’ shame; "Call me not craven, though I flee just war," argues the pacifist poet; Her craven silence sealed their doom.
Additional Notes
“Craven” functions as both noun and adjective, denoting abject cowardice; in chivalric or heroic poetry, it serves as the ultimate insult, contrasting with “doughty,” and often triggers shame or exile as narrative consequences.
Also Known As
coward cowardly person dastard poltroon Yellow
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