Cowardly sort of spirit? (6)

I believe the answer is:

blithe

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'cowardly' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for blithe that I've seen before include "Carefree and happy" , "Carefree and casual" , "Happy, without worries or cares" , "'Hail to thee, ,,,,,, spirit'- Shelley (6)" , "Gay" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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