[f. prec.] To make craven or cowardly, to render spiritless through fear. Hence Cravened ppl. a.
1611. Shaks., Cymb., III. iv. 80. Against Selfe-slaughter There is a prohibition so Diuine That crauens my weake hand.
1645. Quarles, Sol. Recant., v. 81. This enslaves Our craven’d Spirits so.
1683. Dryden, Dk. Guise, IV. iii. Awed and cravened, as he had been spelled.
1826. Mrs. Bray, De Foix, III. i. 10. There are circumstances which can craven a spirit that never shook before the sword.
