'coward' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'couard', where 'cou' meant 'tail', implying someone who turns tail and runs away.

'couard' transformed into the Middle English word 'coward', and eventually became the modern English word 'coward'.

Initially, it meant 'one who turns tail and runs away', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who lacks courage'.