Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cowardice \Cow"ard*ice\ (-[i^]s), n. [F. couardise, fr. couard.
   See {Coward}.]
   Want of courage to face danger; extreme timidity;
   pusillanimity; base fear of danger or hurt; lack of spirit.

         The cowardice of doing wrong.            --Milton.

         Moderation was despised as cowardice.    --Macaulay.

Source : WordNet®

cowardice
     n : the trait of lacking courage [syn: {cowardliness}] [ant: {courage}]