— runtish , adj. — runtishly , adv. — runtishness , n.
/runt/ , n.
1. an animal that is small or stunted as compared with others of its kind.
2. the smallest or weakest of a litter, esp. of pigs or puppies.
3. a person who is small and contemptible: That runt causes most of the trouble at the meetings.
4. Brit. Dial.
a. an old or decayed tree stump.
b. an old cow or ox.
c. an ugly old woman; hag.
[ 1495-1505; perh. rund bull, cow, ox; akin to G Rind cattle ]