\Rec"re*ant\ (-ant), a. [OF., cowardly, fr. recroire,
recreire, to forsake, leave, tire, discourage, regard as
conquered, LL. recredere se to declare one's self conquered
in combat; hence, those are called recrediti or recreanti who
are considered infamous; L. pref. re- again, back + credere
to believe, to be of opinion; hence, originally, to disavow
one's opinion. See {Creed}.]
1. Crying for mercy, as a combatant in the trial by battle;
   yielding; cowardly; mean-spirited; craven. ``This recreant
   knight.'' --Spenser.

2. Apostate; false; unfaithful.

         Who, for so many benefits received, Turned recreant
         to God, ingrate and false.            --Milton.

\Rec"re*ant\, n.
One who yields in combat, and begs for mercy; a
mean-spirited, cowardly wretch. --Blackstone.

      You are all recreants and dastards!      --Shak.