Dictionary entry

Puny

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pu″ny (?), a. [Compar.Punier (?); superl.Puniest.] [F. puîté younger, later born, OF. puisné; puis afterwards (L. post; see Post-) + born, L. natus. See Natal, and cf. Puisne.] Imperfectly developed in size or vigor; small and feeble; inferior; petty.

A puny subject strikes at thy great glory. Shak.

Breezes laugh to scorn our puny speed. Keble.