Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
COW
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English cou, from Old English cū; akin to Old High German kuo cow, Latin bos head of cattle, Greek bous, Sanskrit go Date: before 12th century
1. the mature female of cattle (genus Bos ), the mature female of various usually large animals (as an elephant, whale, or moose), a domestic bovine animal regardless of sex or age, cowy adjective
II. transitive verb
Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish kue to subdue
Date: 1581
to destroy the resolve or courage of , see: intimidate cowedly adverb