coward; timid man
Rare literary term for a cowardly or timid man. Cross-referenced with 懦夫 (だふ), a similar rare word.
See also: 懦夫
古典では「怯夫」を「きょうふ」と読ませ、臆病者を指すことがある。
In classical texts, 怯夫 is read きょうふ and can refer to a coward.
Compound of 怯 (fear, cowardice) and 夫 (man). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; it is a rare Sino-Japanese word.