coistril en · NOUN
Etymology
Probably from Old French coustillier (“groom or lad”). Compare custrel.
Meanings
- (obsolete) An inferior groom or lad employed by an esquire to carry the knight's arms and other necessaries; a coistrel.
-
(obsolete) A mean, paltry fellow; a coward.
And he shall 'by his merriment as dear / As ever coistril bought so little sport: / Ne'er let this sword assist me when I need, / But rust and canker after I have sworn.
c. 1592, William Shakespeare, Anonymous, Arden of Faversham, act 3, scene 2:He's a coward and a coistril that will not / drink to my niece till his brains turn o'the toe like a / parish top.
c. 1601–1602, William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, act 1, scene 3:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| coystrel | alternative | lexicographic | |
| coystril | alternative | lexicographic | |
| coistrel | alternative | lexicographic | |
| coistrils | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
coward and Thesaurus:villain (paltry fellow)