runt

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the smallest or weakest animal in a litter

   The runt needed extra feeding because the larger puppies pushed it aside.

2. 2
   noun

   an undersized or stunted animal, plant, or person; often disparaging when used of a person

   The shaded sapling remained a runt beside the taller trees.

3. 3
   noun

   a large, heavy-bodied breed of domestic pigeon related to the carrier pigeon

   Darwin described the runt as a pigeon with a massive beak and large feet.

Of uncertain origin. Earlier senses included a hardened plant stalk and an undersized animal; proposed links to Middle Dutch runt, 'ox,' and Icelandic hrotti, 'brute,' remain disputed. The name of the unusually large pigeon breed is an old specialized sense and contrasts strikingly with the familiar 'smallest of a litter' meaning.

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