What is the meaning of recreant?

noun

• An abject coward.
  • synonyms: poltroon, craven
• A disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc..
  • synonyms: deserter, apostate, renegade, turncoat, ratter

adjective

• Having deserted a cause or principle.
  • usage: "some provinces had proved recreant"; "renegade supporters of the usurper"
  • synonyms: renegade
• Lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful."the craven fellow turned and ran"; "a craven proposal to raise the white flag"; "this recreant knight- Spenser
  • synonyms: craven