Pu`sil*lan"i*mous (?), a. [L. pusillanimis; pusillus very little (dim. of pusus a little boy; cf. puer a boy, E. puerile) + animus the mind: cf. F. pusillanime. See Animosity.] 1. Destitute of a manly or courageous strength and firmness of mind; of weak spirit; mean- spirited; spiritless; cowardly; -- said of persons, as, a pusillanimous prince.

2. Evincing, or characterized by, weakness of mind, and want of courage; feeble; as, pusillanimous counsels. "A low and pusillanimous spirit." Burke.

Syn. -- Cowardly; dastardly; mean-spirited; fainthearted; timid; weak; feeble.

• Showing ignoble cowardice, or contemptible timidity