1. adjective Extremely weak, timid, or ineffectual. A reference to H. T. Webster's comic strip character Caspar Milquetoast, who exhibited such traits. We're going to be the laughingstock of the world after such a milquetoast response from our government. We can't afford some milquetoast plan that just keeps the status quo—we need something drastic and daring that might really improve our sales. In the play, the hero returns to drive the milquetoast suitor from his home and reclaim his rightful place by his wife's side.

2. noun An extremely weak, timid, or ineffectual man. We need a president who's going to lead the nation with strength and resolve, not some milquestoast who'll just kowtow to every foreign leader who raises his voice. I swear, I don't know why I ever married a milquetoast like you. You can't even defend your own wife when she's been insulted!