Definitions of recreant:

• noun:   an abject coward
• noun:   a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.
• adjective:   having deserted a cause or principle

  Example: "Some provinces had proved recreant"

• adjective:   lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful

  Example: "This recreant knight- Spenser"