poltroon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicLiterary, Archaic, Humorously Formal
Quick answer
What does “poltroon” mean?
An utter coward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An utter coward; a contemptibly base or worthless person who lacks courage.
A term of severe contempt for someone who shows ignoble fear or shirks danger, duty, or responsibility. It implies not just cowardice but a complete lack of spirit or honour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; it is equally archaic in both variants. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical British literature.
Connotations
Connotes an old-fashioned, almost theatrical level of contempt. Can be used humorously to mock someone's lack of courage in an exaggerated, formal way.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary spoken or written language in both regions. Its frequency is essentially zero in corpora of modern English.
Grammar
How to Use “poltroon” in a Sentence
{Subject} is a poltroon.What a poltroon {Subject} is!They called him a poltroon for {gerund/noun phrase}.To flee now would be the act of a poltroon.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “poltroon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His poltroon behaviour during the crisis was noted by all.
American English
- She dismissed his poltroon excuses with a wave of her hand.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. An extremely archaic and inappropriate insult.
Academic
Rare, only in historical or literary analysis discussing character or language of a certain period.
Everyday
Not used in genuine everyday speech. Might be used as a jocular, over-the-top insult among friends familiar with archaic vocabulary.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “poltroon”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈpɒl.truːn/ (POL-troon). The stress is on the second syllable: pol-TROON.
- Using it in a modern, non-ironic context, which would mark the speaker as trying too hard or being anachronistic.
- Spelling: poltron, poltrone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an archaic or literary word. You will almost never hear it in everyday conversation, and its use in modern writing is very deliberate for stylistic effect.
A 'coward' is a standard, neutral term for someone lacking courage. A 'poltroon' is a much stronger, more contemptuous term that implies worthlessness and ignoble character. It's an insult, not just a description.
Yes, though even rarer than its noun use. You might see "poltroon behaviour" or "a poltroon act", meaning characteristic of a poltroon.
It entered English in the 16th century from French *poltron*, which came from Italian *poltrone* (lazy fellow, coward), possibly from *poltro* (bed), suggesting one who lazes in bed to avoid duty.
An utter coward.
Poltroon is usually literary, archaic, humorously formal in register.
Poltroon: in British English it is pronounced /pɒlˈtruːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɑːlˈtruːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms feature this specific word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chicken (a coward) with a fancy French-sounding name: "Polly the *poltroon*" was too scared to leave the coop.
Conceptual Metaphor
COWARDICE IS A CONTEMPTIBLE DISEASE / A LACK OF MORAL SPINE. The word frames cowardice not just as a momentary fear, but as a defining, shameful characteristic of a worthless person.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'poltroon' be LEAST appropriate?