2 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Courage \Cour"age\ (k?r"?j;48), n. [OE. corage heart, mind,
will, courage, OF. corage, F. courage, fr. a LL. derivative
of L. cor heart. See {Heart}.]
1. The heart; spirit; temper; disposition. [Obs.]
So priketh hem nature in here corages. --Chaucer.
My lord, cheer up your spirits; our foes are nigh,
and this soft courage makes your followers faint.
--Shak.
2. Heart; inclination; desire; will. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
I'd such a courage to do him good. --Shak.
3. That quality of mind which enables one to encounter danger
and difficulties with firmness, or without fear, or
fainting of heart; valor; boldness; resolution.
The king-becoming graces . . . Devotion, patience,
courage, fortitude, I have no relish of them.
--Shak.
Courage that grows from constitution often forsakes
a man when he has occasion for it. --Addison.
Syn: Heroism; bravery; intrepidity; valor; gallantry; daring;
firmness; hardihood; boldness; dauntlessness;
resolution.
Usage: See {Heroism}. -- {Courage}, {Bravery}, {Fortitude},
{Intrepidity}, {Gallantry}, {Valor}. Courage is that
firmness of spirit and swell of soul which meets
danger without fear. Bravery is daring and impetuous
courage, like that of one who has the reward
continually in view, and displays his courage in
daring acts. Fortitude has often been styled ``passive
courage,'' and consist in the habit of encountering
danger and enduring pain with a steadfast and unbroken
spirit. Valor is courage exhibited in war, and can not
be applied to single combats; it is never used
figuratively. Intrepidity is firm, unshaken courage.
Gallantry is adventurous courage, which courts danger
with a high and cheerful spirit. A man may show
courage, fortitude, or intrepidity in the common
pursuits of life, as well as in war. Valor, bravery,
and gallantry are displayed in the contest of arms.
Valor belongs only to battle; bravery may be shown in
single combat; gallantry may be manifested either in
attack or defense; but in the latter ease, the defense
is usually turned into an attack.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
courage
n : a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger of pain
without showing fear [syn: {courageousness}, {bravery}]
[ant: {cowardice}]