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Webster 1913 Edition
Pygmy
Pyg′my
,Noun.
pl.
Pygmies
(#)
. [L.
pygmaeus
, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] the fist, a measure of length, the distance from the elbow to the knuckles, about 131 inches. Cf. Pugnacious
, Fist
.] [Written also
pigmy
.] 1.
(Class. Myth.)
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pygmy
PYG'MY
,Noun.
A dwarf; a person not exceeding a cubit in highth. This appellation was given by the ancients to a fabulous race of beings inhabiting Thrace, who waged war with the cranes and were destroyed.