| 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) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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