Noah Webster
Puny
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.