pusillanimity

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

pusillanimity
    n 1: contemptible fearfulness [syn: {pusillanimity},
         {pusillanimousness}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Pusillanimity \Pu`sil*la*nim"i*ty\, n. [L. pusillanimitas: cf.
   F. pusillanimit['e].]
   The quality of being pusillanimous; weakness of spirit;
   cowardliness.
   [1913 Webster]

         The badge of pusillanimity and cowardice. --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

         It is obvious to distinguished between an act of . . .
         pusillanimity and an act of great modesty or humility.
                                                  --South.
   [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Cowardliness; cowardice; fear; timidity.
        [1913 Webster]