Definition of Dastardly

1. Adjective. Despicably cowardly. "The unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on...December 7th"

Exact synonyms: Dastard
Similar to: Cowardly, Fearful
Derivative terms: Dastard, Dastard, Dastardliness

Definition of Dastardly

1. a. Meanly timid; cowardly; base; as, a dastardly outrage.

Definition of Dastardly

1. Adjective. in the manner of a dastard; marked by cowardice; pusillanimous ¹

2. Adjective. treacherous; given to backstabbing ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Dastardly

1. [adj]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Dastardly

dast
dastard
dastard(a)
dastardies
dastardize
dastardized
dastardizes
dastardizing
dastardlier
dastardliest
dastardliness
dastardlinesses
dastardling
dastardly
dastardness
dastards
dastardy
dastgah
dastgahs
dasy-
dasyclad
dasyclads
dasymeter
dasymeters
dasymetric
dasypaedal
dasypaedes
dasypaedic

Literary usage of Dastardly

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage by Inc. Merriam-Webster (1994)
"Choosing the safe side, however, appeared to me to be playing a rather dastardly part —George Borrow, The Romany Rye. 1857 But it is hard to find this sense ..."

2. The Life of Benvenuto Cellini by Benvenuto Cellini (1920)
"... life screened murderers red- handed after the commission of what we should regard not merely as criminal, but also as dastardly deeds of violence. ..."

3. A Selection of English Synonyms by Elizabeth Jane Whately, Richard Whately (1860)
"TIMID, COWARDLY, TIMOROUS, Dastardly. ' Timid ' is applied both to the state of ... Cowardly ' and ' dastardly ' are used alike for character and conduct, ..."

4. The Writings of George Washington: Being His Correspondence, Addresses by George Washington (1847)
"... the dastardly behaviour of one's own troops, is not a very pleasant thing. Concerning his idea of having a brand, I have great doubts both as to the ..."

5. A Dictionary of Books Relating to America, from Its Discovery to the Present by Joseph Sabin, Wilberforce Eames, Bibliographical Society of America, Robert William Glenroie Vail (1873)
"... we are determined to follow, and not longer struggle in vain to animate our dastardly, degenerate countrymen with the noble spirit of their forefathers. ..."

6. Herodotus by Herodotus (1812)
"This mark of ignominy shall however " adhere to you—as you are so dastardly and " mean, you shall not accompany me to Greece, " but remain at home, ..."

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