cowardly /ˈkaʊədli/adjective 1adverb 1forms 4 adjective1 •Showing cowardice; lacking in courage; weakly fearful.The cowardly rascals that ran from the battle. — 1599 adverb1 •(no longer used) In the manner of a coward, cowardlily.We will not steale vpon him cowardly, But giue him warning and more warriours. — 1587 formscowardlier · more cowardly · cowardliest · most cowardly