Runt
n.
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Any animal which is unusually small, as compared with others of its kind; -- applied particularly to domestic animals. (Zool.)
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A variety of domestic pigeon, related to the barb and carrier. (Zool.)
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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.
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The dead stump of a tree; also, the stem of a plant. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
Neither young poles nor old runts are durable.