Puny

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pjuːni/
• Rhymes: -uːni

Origin

Variant form of puisne.

Full definition of puny

Noun

1. (obsolete) A new pupil at a school etc.; a junior student.
2. (obsolete) A younger person.
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.12:a law that the eldest or first borne child shall succeed and inherit all: where nothing at all is reserved for Punies, but obedience ....
3. (obsolete) A beginner, a novice.
4. (archaic) An inferior person; a subordinate.

Adjective

1. Of inferior size, strength or significance.
• ShakespeareA puny subject strikes at thy great glory.
• KebleBreezes laugh to scorn our puny speed.

Synonyms