a. rare. [ad. L. trepid-us scared, alarmed.] Trembling; agitated; fearful.
1650. W. Brough, Sacr. Princ. (1659), 421. Trembling, and chilness and confusion in the powers of action … a stupid, trepid, troubled motion.
1675. trans. Machiavelli’s Prince, vi. (Rtldg.), 39. The defence is so trepid and faint.
1760–72. H. Brooke, Fool of Qual. (1809), IV. 25. [He] presented his trepid hand to conduct the fair … to her carriage.
1859. Thackeray, Virgin., lxx. The poor little trepid creature, panting and helpless under the great eyes.
Hence Trepidly adv., Trepidness.
1727. Bailey, vol. II., Trepidness, Trepidity, Fearfulness.
1911. Daily News, 13 Nov., 4. With a show of boldness, but really trepidly and distrustfully.
