Gäunt, a.

(gänt), a. [Perhaps contracted from A-S. gewanned, p. p. of gewannian, to diminish, to wane, q. v. Cf. also W. gwan, weak, poor.] Attenuated, as with fasting or suffering; lean; meager; pinched and grim. “The gaunt mastiff growling at the gate.” Pope.

A mysterious but visible pestilence, striding gaunt and fleshless across our land. Nichol.