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Saturday, April 5th, 2025
the Fourth Week of Lent
the Fourth Week of Lent
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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.
Copyright Statement
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.
