What does "recreant" mean?

Recreant: Apostate; false; unfaithful. Who, for so many benefits received, Turned recreant to God, ingrate and false. Milton.

Additional senses

  1. 2.One who yields in combat, and begs for mercy; a mean-spirited, cowardly wretch. Blackstone. You are all recreants and dastards! Shak.

Sources