Craven
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia · John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
A word denoting defeat, and begging the mercy of the conqueror. It was used (when used) by the vanquished party In trial by battle. Victory was obtained by the death of one of the combatants, or if either champion proved recreant,— that is, yielded, and pronounced the horrible word "craven." Such a person became infamous, and was thenceforth unfit to be believed on oath.
3 Bla. Com. 340.
See Wageb of Battel.
See Wageb of Battel.