having no spines or quills.

having no spine or backbone.

having a weak spine; limp.

without moral force, resolution, or courage; feeble

a spineless, lily-livered coward.

adjective

bold , brave , strong

adjective

amoebalike , faint-hearted , fearful , feeble , forceless , frightened , gutless * , impotent , inadequate , ineffective , ineffectual , invertebrate , irresolute , lily-livered * , nerveless , pithless , soft , spiritless , squeamish , submissive , timid , vacillating , weak , weak-kneed , weak-willed , yellow * , yellow-bellied , cowardly , indecisive , meek