Courageous (kr-js), a.
Etymology: [F. courageux.]
Possessing, or characterized by, courage; brave; bold. With this victory, the women became most courageous and proud, and the men waxed . . . fearful and desperate. Stow.
Syn. -- Gallant; brave; bold; daring; valiant; valorous; heroic; intrepid; fearless; hardy; stout; adventurous; enterprising. See Gallant.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for courageous; he lists it under brave.
Where he writes about it:
Courageous is more than brave, adding a moral element: the courageous man steadily encounters perils to which he may be keenly sensitive, at the call of duty; the gallant are brave in a dashing, showy, and splendid way; the valiant not only dare great dangers, but achieve great results; the heroic are nobly daring and dauntless, truly chivalrous, sublimely courageous. — from brave