Rŭnt, n.
n. [Written also rant.] [Scot. runt, an old cow, an old withered woman, a hardened stem or stalk, the trunk of a tree, D. rund, a bullock, an ox or cow, Ger. rind. Cf. ROTHER-BEASTS.]
Sense 1. Any animal small below the natural or usual size of the species.
Of tame pigeons are croppers, carriers, and runts. Walton.
Sense 2. Hence, a dwarf; also, a mean, despicable, boorish person;—in contempt.
Before I buy a bargain of such runts, I'll buy a college for bears, and live among 'em. Bean. & Fl.
Sense 3. 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 for building. Holland.