Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
the Fourth Week of Advent
the Fourth Week of Advent
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Bible Encyclopedias
Poltroon
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
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a coward, a worthless rogue without courage or spirit. The word comes through Fr. poltron from Ital. poltrone, an idle fellow, one who lolls in a bed or couch (Milanese polter, Venetian poltrona, adapted from Ger. Polster, a pillow; cf. English "bolster"). The old guess that it was from Lat. pollice truncus, maimed in the thumb, and was first applied to those who avoided military service by self-mutilation, gave rise probably to the French application of poltron to a falcon whose talons were cut to prevent its attacking game.
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These files are public domain.
These files are public domain.
Bibliography Information
Chisholm, Hugh, General Editor. Entry for 'Poltroon'. 1911 Encyclopedia Britanica. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/bri/p/poltroon.html. 1910.
Chisholm, Hugh, General Editor. Entry for 'Poltroon'. 1911 Encyclopedia Britanica. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/bri/p/poltroon.html. 1910.
