PU'NY, adjective 1. Properly, young or younger; but in this sense not used. 2. Inferior; petty; of an under rate; small and feeble. This word generally includes the signification of both smallness and feebleness; as a puny animal; a puny subject; a puny power; a puny mind. PU'NY, noun A young inexperienced person; a novice.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI