Recreancy
Noun
Definition: Cowardice; an act of cowardly giving up or abandonment.
Synonyms: Cowardice, Faint-heartedness, Timidity
Antonyms: Bravery, Boldness, Courage
- His act of recreancy during the battle showed his lack of courage.
- The general's recreancy resulted in the soldiers losing faith in his leadership.
- Think of "recreancy" as "re-creating cowardice," indicating the act of recreating a cowardly behavior.
- The word "recreancy" contains the root "re-" which implies a repetition or return to a previous state, connecting it to a repeated act of cowardice.
Etymology:
The word "recreancy" originated from the Old French word "recreance," which means "cowardice." It is derived from the Latin word "recreare," which means "to restore or recover."
Historical Usage:The term "recreancy" was commonly used in medieval times to refer to the act of turning away from one's duty or abandoning a cause, often associated with cowardice in battle or loyalty betrayal.
Related Idioms:
"Recreant knight"
Explanation:Refers to a knight who behaves cowardly in battle and lacks courage and chivalry.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "recreancy" with "recreational" due to a similar sound.
Explanation:"Recreancy" is not related to recreation or leisure activities. It specifically refers to cowardice and giving up, while "recreational" refers to activities done for pleasure or relaxation.