What is the meaning of the word Dastard?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on April 25, 2026
Definition of dastard 1 : coward. 2 : a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly.
Where does the word dastardly come from?
mid-15c., a term of contempt for one who is lazy or dull; an English formation on a French model, probably from *dast, “dazed,” past participle of dasen “to daze” (see daze (v.)) or the equivalent past participle in Old Norse + deprecatory suffix.
Are Dastard and bastard the same?
As nouns the difference between dastard and bastard is that dastard is a malicious coward; a dishonorable sneak while bastard is bastard (a person born to unmarried parents; also used as an insult).
What is the etymology of the word definition?
late 14c., diffinicioun, definicion, “decision, setting of boundaries, determination and stating of the limits and distinctive nature of a thing,” also “limitations,” also “a statement of the meaning of a word or phrase,” from Old French definicion, from Latin definitionem (nominative definitio) “a bounding, a boundary …
What is the definition of the word craven?
Definition of craven 1 : lacking the least bit of courage : contemptibly fainthearted … craven mercenaries who would not fight …— Thomas Fleming. 2 archaic : defeated, vanquished.
What’s the meaning of Flagitious?
Definition of flagitious : marked by scandalous crime or vice : villainous.
Where can I find the etymology of words?
Here are some to try:
- LibrarySpot Etymology Dictionaries.
- Etymologically Speaking.
- Google’s “etymology” search results.
- Any dictionary of the English language.
What is the meaning of Dastard?
Definition of dastard 1 : coward 2 : a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About dastard
What is the meaning of dasaert?
Compare Icelandic dasaður (“exhausted”), dialectal Swedish däst (“weary”), Middle Dutch dasaert, daasaardt (“a fool”), English dazed (“stupefied”) . I thought ye would never have given out these arms till you had recovered your ancient freedom: but you are all recreants and dastards, and delight to live in slavery to the nobility.
What is the origin of the word Dullard?
From Middle English dastard (“a dullard”), most likely formed from *dast, a base derived from Old Norse dæstr (“exhausted, breathless”) + -ard. Compare Icelandic dasaður (“exhausted”), dialectal Swedish däst (“weary”), Middle Dutch dasaert, daasaardt (“a fool”), English dazed (“stupefied”).
What does the Dastard say about his threatfull words?
The dastard, that did heare him selfe defyde, / Seem’d not to weigh his threatfull words at all, / But laught them out, as if his greater pryde, / Did scorne the challenge of so base a thrall: Or had not courage, or else had no gall.