cow ‧ ard ‧ ice /ˈkaʊədəs, ˈkaʊədɪs $ -ər-/ BrE AmE ( also cow‧ard‧li‧ness /ˈkaʊədlinəs, ˈkaʊədlinɪs $ -ərd-/) noun [uncountable]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: coardise , from coart ; ⇨ ↑ coward ]
lack of courage OPP bravery :
cowardice in the face of danger