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pygmy

Origin: L. Pygmaeus, Gr, fr. The fist, a measure of length, the distance from the elbow to the knuckles, about 131 inches. Cf. Pugnacious, Fist

Alternative forms: pigmy.

1. One of a fabulous race of dwarfs who waged war with the cranes, and were destroyed.

2. Hence, a short, insignificant person; a dwarf. Pygmies are pygmies still, though perched on alps. And pyramids are pyramids in vales. (young)