Emily Dickinson Lexicon

REC'RE-ANT, a. [Norm. recreant, cowardly, properly crying out, from recrier; that is, begging. See Craven.]

1. Crying for mercy, as a combatant in the trial by battle; yielding; hence, cowardly; mean spirited. – Blackstone.
2. Apostate; false. Who for so many benefits receiv'd, / Turn'd recreant to God, ingrate and false. – Milton.