Definition of the word runt

The origin of the word "runt" can be traced back to the early 1800s, when it was first used to describe small and weak piglets born in a litter. The term likely derived from the Old English word "hrūn," which meant "weak, helpless" or "young piglet." As the word spread beyond the context of pig farming, it came to be used more broadly to describe any small or weak animal, particularly one that is undersized relative to others in its litter or species. Its use in human contexts, such as to describe a smaller or less developed child, likely arose due to its association with a lack of strength or maturity. Overall, the etymology of "runt" highlights the practical origins of English vocabulary, as well as the enduring role that animals have played in shaping the English language.