general, an appellation given to things greatly inferior in size to that which is usual in their several kinds; thus there are dwarfs of the human species, dwarf-dogs, dwarf-trees, &c.

The Romans were so passionately fond of dwarfs, that they often used artificial methods to prevent the growth of boys designed for dwarfs, by inclosing them in boxes, or by the use of tight bandages. In Italy, even at present, they wash young puppies every day with astringent liquors, in order to prevent their growth by hardening the parts.