REC'REANT, adjective [See Craven.] 1. Crying for mercy, as a combatant in the trial by battle; yielding; hence, cowardly; mean spirited. 2. Apostate; false. Who for so many benefits receiv'd, turn'd recreant to God, ingrate and false. REC'REANT, noun One who yields in combat and cries craven; one who begs for mercy; hence, a mean spirited, cowardly wretch.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI