white-livered

adjective

white-liv·ered ˈ(h)wīt-ˈli-vərd

: pusillanimous, lily-livered

Word History

Etymology

from the former belief that the choleric temperament depends on the body's producing large quantities of yellow bile

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of white-livered was in 1546

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Browse Nearby Words

white list

white-livered

white liverwort

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Cite this Entry

Style

“White-livered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white-livered. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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