Noah Webster
Recreant
REC'REANT, adjective [See Craven.]
1. Crying for mercy, as a combatant in the trial by battle; yielding; hence, cowardly; mean spirited.
2. Apostate; false.
Who for so many benefits receiv'd, turn'd recreant to God, ingrate and false.
REC'REANT, noun One who yields in combat and cries craven; one who begs for mercy; hence, a mean spirited, cowardly wretch.