to cow

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To depress with fear.--Webster.


By reason of their frequent revolts, they have drawn upon them the pressure of war so often, that it seems to have somewhat cowed their spirits.--Howell, Vocal Forest.

For when men by their wives are cow'd,

Their horns of course are understood.

Hudibras.

The Spaniards ought to defend the Despena Perros; but they go to the plains to be beaten, and thus cow the troops, who would otherwise defend themselves in the mountains.

-- Wellington's Despatches, No. 346.

They were in a terrible sweat all the time, for fear I'd get cowed, and wouldn't succeed in my oration.

-- Maj. Jones's Courtship, p. 154.

Related Words