Coward taking short cut (3)
I believe the answer is:
cur
'coward' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'short cut' is the wordplay.
'short' becomes 'curt' (synonyms).
'cut' means to remove the last letter.
'curt' with its final letter removed is 'CUR'.
'taking' is the link.
(Other definitions for cur that I've seen before include "Worthless mongrel" , "Wretch" , "Despicable person" , "Non-pedigree dog" , "Surly dog (or person)" .)