"see it in cowboy pulps, but didn't know that it was used as a insult, meaning someone retreated in an unhonorable way."


I missed this first time around. I've heard the word used before. Guess I didn't realize there were overtones of dishonor. If I'd heard the word, I'd guess that it means someone is slippery, sneaky, hard to pin down. Wouldn't necessarily associate dishonorable action or intent. But context gives texture to language.


k