RUNT

runt. Runt, n. a small pig, a short person, a bird

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Runt (?), n. [Written also rant.] [[Scot. runt an old cow, an old, withered woman, a hardened stem or stalk, the trunk of a tree; cf. D. rund a bullock, an ox or cow, G. rind. Cf. Rother, a.]] 1. 1. (Zoöl.) Any animal which is unusually small, as compared with others of its kind; — applied particularly to domestic animals.
2. 2. (Zoöl.) A variety of domestic pigeon, related to the barb and carrier.
3. 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. 4. The dead stump of a tree; also, the stem of a plant. Halliwell.
Neither young poles nor old runts are durable. Holland.