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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Recreant \Rec"re*ant\ (-ant), a. [OF., cowardly, fr. recroire,
recreire, to forsake, leave, tire, discourage, regard as
conquered, LL. recredere se to declare one's self conquered
in combat; hence, those are called recrediti or recreanti who
are considered infamous; L. pref. re- again, back credere
to believe, to be of opinion; hence, originally, to disavow
one's opinion. See {Creed}.]
1. Crying for mercy, as a combatant in the trial by battle;
yielding; cowardly; mean-spirited; craven. "This recreant
knight." --Spenser.
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2. Apostate; false; unfaithful.
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Who, for so many benefits received,
Turned recreant to God, ingrate and false. --Milton.
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Recreant \Rec"re*ant\, n.
One who yields in combat, and begs for mercy; a
mean-spirited, cowardly wretch. --Blackstone.
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You are all recreants and dastards! --Shak.
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