word of the day: pusillanimous
“Pusillanimous” is one of those words I’ve looked up more than once. The definition doesn’t stick. I think it’s because I find the word unattractive, so don’t ever use it. Like “pulchritude,” which supposedly means “beautiful” but is ugly. In the case of “pusillanimous,” however, it’s no compliment to use it. If you were to call someone “pusillanimous,” would it be an advantage that they probably wouldn’t know what you were talking about?
context:
Bernard, the secretary of the Mouse Prisoner’s Aid Society is explaining to Miss Bianca how difficult it’s been handling her replacement. In this case a mouse comes to give a report on the latest at the police station, but doesn’t get heard.
‘Our new Madame Chairwoman can’t stand the sight of [that mouse]. Every report [that] poor old [mouse] brings in she simply won’t let him stay to read — and then as soon as he’s gone just tears up. I can see you think me pusillanimous,’ added Bernard unhappily, ‘for not making a flaming row about it; but with attendances dropping off as they are, I feel that a united front on the platform must at all costs be preserved.’
definition (Merriam-Webster): lacking courage and resolution : marked by contemptible timidity
I suppose one could introduce a new character to the land of the Oz, the Pusillanimous Puma.
source:
The Turret
by Margery Sharp
illustrations by Garth Williams
1963. Little, Brown, & Co., Boston
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