Heh my initial thoughts to the definition of cowed was a bit different....
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cowed
Cow \Cow\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cowed (koud);; p. pr. & vb. n. Cowing.] [Cf. Icel. kuga, Sw. kufva to check, subdue, Dan. kue. Cf. Cuff, v. t.] To depress with fear; to daunt the spirits or courage of; to overawe.
To vanquish a people already cowed. --Shak.
THe French king was cowed. --J. R. Green.