The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary ‘A faint heart, though, never won a fair maiden, nor a worthwhile argument, so I'll press on.’ ‘But, of course, you're thinking that those working on editorial pages or writing columns should simply not be faint hearts and, in any case, not mistake the rants of an intolerant few for the views of all readers.’ Otherwise it is used figuratively of discouragement of spirit. Accessed 23 Dec. 2020. To lose the animal functions; to lose strength and color, and become senseless and motionless; to swoon; sometimes with away. 1250–1300; Middle English