Definition of "cowardly"

The cowardly rascals that ran from the battle.

1599, William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act IV, scene vii]

The cowardly rashness of those who dare not look danger in the face.

1780, Edmund Burke, speech at The Guildhall, in Bristol

We will not ſteale vpon him cowardly,But giue him warning and more warriours.

c. 1587–1588, [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire, London: Scolar Press, 1973, Act II, scene v

I love to follow them, but not so cowardly, as my life remaine thereby in subjection.

1603, Michel de Montaigne, translated by John Florio, The Essayes […], book I, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], page 48

[…] men who cowardly and hypocritically subscribe orthodox creeds, whilst they teach a different kind of doctrine!

1828, John Paul, A Refutation of Arianism‎, page 20