Words: pusillanimous [MW]

(pusillanimous, or small-souled, is the etymological opposite of magnanimous, or large-souled)

Main Entry: pu·sil·lan·i·mous
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin pusillanimis, from Latin pusillus very small (diminutive of pusus boy) + animus spirit; perhaps akin to Latin puer child -- more at PUERILE, ANIMATE
: lacking courage and resolution : marked by contemptible timidity
synonym see COWARDLY