puisne

adjective

puis·ne ˈpyü-nē

chiefly British

: inferior in rank

puisne judge

puisne noun

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French puisné younger — more at puny

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of puisne was in 1648

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Puisne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puisne. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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