Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PU'NY, a. [contracted from Fr. puisné, – which see.]

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. – Milton. South. Dryden.