Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PU-SIL-LA-NIM'I-TY, n. [Fr. pusillanimité; L. pusillanimitas; pusillus, small, weak, and animus, courage.]

Want of that firmness and strength of mind which constitutes courage or fortitude; weakness of spirit; cowardliness; that feebleness of mind which shrinks from trifling or imaginary dangers. It is obvious to distinguish between an act of pusillanimity and an act of great modesty or humility. – South.