Which term describes an abject coward?

The term "recreant" specifically refers to someone who is a coward or a traitor, particularly in the context of failing to uphold their duties or responsibilities out of fear. This word is derived from the Old French "recreant," meaning "to recoil," which conveys a sense of withdrawal or retreat in the face of danger or challenge. In literature and discussions concerning bravery and integrity, describing someone as recreant directly implicates their lack of courage or loyalty.

The other terms do not align with the definition regarding cowardice. "Recumbent" refers to a position of rest or lying down and has no connotation of cowardice. "Sententious" describes a person who is inclined to speak in a pompous or moralizing way, lacking the element of fear or cowardice. "Saturnine" is used to characterize someone who is morose, gloomy, or sullen, which does not relate to being a coward. Thus, "recreant" is the precise term for an abject coward.