Runt (?) n. [Written also rant.] [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.]

1. Zool.

Any animal which is unusually small, as compared with others of its kind; -- applied particulary to domestic animals.

2. Zool.

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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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