Related Terms. 1  1. Establishment, foundation, or organization created to pursue a particular type of endeavor, such as banking by a financial institution. 2  2. Consistent and organized pattern of behavior or activities (established by law or custom) that is self-regulating in accordance with generally accepted norms.
cowardly - lacking courage; ignobly timid and faint-hearted; cowardly dogs, ye will not aid me then- P.B.Shelley. fearful. afraid - filled with fear or apprehension; afraid even to turn his head; suddenly looked afraid; afraid for his life; afraid of snakes; afraid to ask questions.
Distinguishing when acts are courageous, as opposed to reckless or cowardly, for instance, is an act of prudence, and for this reason it is classified as a cardinal (pivotal) virtue. In modern English, the word has become increasingly synonymous with cautiousness. In this sense, prudence names a reluctance to take risks, which remains a virtue with respect to unnecessary risks, but, when unreasonably extended into over-cautiousness, can become the vice of cowardice.