I. -nt adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from present participle of recroire to renounce one's cause in a trial by battle, to surrender, from Old French, from re- + croire to believe, from Latin credere — more at creed
1. : crying for mercy especially in the trial of battle : yielding in a cowardly manner : craven
2. : unfaithful to one's duty or allegiance : apostate , false
those responsible for teaching the common folk were recreant to their task — I.M.Price
Synonyms: see cowardly
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from recreant, adjective
1. : one that yields cravenly in combat : a cowardly wretch
2. : one that is unfaithful : betrayer, deserter