pusillanimity

PUSILLANIM'ITY, n. [L. pusillanimitas; pusillus,small, weak, and animus,courage.] Want of that firmness and strength of mind which constitutes courage or fortitude; weakness of spirit; cowardliness; that feebleness of mind which shrinks from trifling or imaginary dangers.

It is obvious to distinguish between an act of pusillanimity and an act of great modesty or humility.