coistril

plural coistrils · alternative coistrel · alternative coystrel · alternative coystril

1. obsoleteAn inferior groom or lad employed by an esquire to carry the knight's arms and other necessaries; a coistrel.
2. obsoleteA mean, paltry fellow; a coward.

   He's a coward and a coistril that will not / drink to my niece till his brains turn o'the toe like a / parish top.

   c. 1601–1602, William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, act 1, scene 3

   1 more example

   And he shall 'by his merriment as dear / As ever coistril bought so little sport: / Ne'er let this sword assist me when I need, / But rust and canker after I have sworn.

   c. 1592, William Shakespeare, Anonymous, Arden of Faversham, act 3, scene 2

   Synonyms: coward and Thesaurus:villain