recreancy

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The quality or state of being recreant; shameful cowardice; perfidy.

   “What must be the feelings of the sons of Massachusetts when, on any public occasion requiring a statement of her claims, the boast of her former deeds shall be met with the reproach of her later recreancy?”

   “[T]he punishment for recreancy falls on the champion himself unless his hirer raises him from the field. By coming to the aid of the craven whom one has hired one exposes oneself to the recreancy fine.”

   “Swann remained silent, and, by this fresh act of recreancy, spoiled the brilliant dialectical contest which Mme Verdurin was rejoicing at being able to offer to Forcheville.”