runt Meaning, Definition & Usage

Runt noun

Etymology

Scot. runt an old cow. withered woman, a hardened stem or stalk, of a tree; cf. D. rund a bullock, an ox or . Cf. Rother, a.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) Any animal which is unusually small, as compared with others of its kind; -- applied particulary to domestic animals.
2. (Zoöl.) A variety of domestic pigeon, related to the barb and carrier.
3. A dwarf; also, a mean, despicable, boorish person; -- used opprobriously.

   Before I buy a bargain of such runts, I'll buy a college for bears, and live among 'em. Beau. & Fl.

4. The dead stump of a tree; also, the stem of a plant. Obs. or Prov. Eng. Halliwell.

   Neither young poles nor old runts are durable. Holland.