\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. (Zo["o]l.) Any animal which is unusually small, as
   compared with others of its kind; -- applied particularly
   to domestic animals.
2. (Zo["o]l.) 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.