The term "cowed" is often employed in literature to evoke a state of profound subjugation or intimidation, whether affecting an individual or a collective. It conveys not only physical fear but also an inner psychological collapse, as when characters appear shrunken and defeated in the face of overwhelming authority or personal threat [1, 2]. In some works, authors use the word to contrast defiant resilience against societal or political pressures, underscoring a struggle to avoid being rendered meek [3, 4]. Meanwhile, historical and allegorical narratives frequently use "cowed" to describe groups or creatures subdued by external forces, reflecting both literal and metaphorical capitulation [5, 6, 7]. This layered usage enriches the narrative by illustrating the transformative impact of fear, whether temporary or deeply ingrained.