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 milktoast response from our government. We can't afford some milktoast 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 milktoast 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 milktoast who'll just kowtow to every foreign leader who raises his voice. I swear, I don't know why I ever married a milktoast like you. You can't even defend your own wife when she's been insulted!