Full Idea
In the strict sense of the word the courageous man will be one who is fearless in the face of an honourable death, or of some sudden threat of death.
Gist of Idea
Strictly speaking, a courageous person is one who does not fear an honourable death
Source
Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1115a33)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.128
A Reaction
I.e. one is rightly afraid of a DIShonourable death. This seems to be more of a touchstone than a definition. Presumably one can show true courage in the face of pain as well as of death.