gaunt

adjective6

1. •
   Angular, bony, and lean.

   • [H]e presented for the first time to Mannering his tall, gaunt, awkward, boney figure, attired in a threadbare suit of black, […] — 1815
2. •
   Unhealthily thin, as from hunger or illness: drawn, emaciated, haggard.

   • VVhen once he [a horse]'s broken, feed him full and high: / Indulge his Grovvth, and his gaunt sides supply. — 1697
3. •
   (figurative) Of a place or thing: bleak, desolate.

   • The present stage of progress in Christian Science presents two opposite aspects, a full-orbed promise, and a gaunt want; the need however is not of the letter, but the spirit. — 1889
4. •
   (figurative, rare) Greedy; also, hungry, ravenous.

   • Gorg'd vvith our plunder, yet still gaunt for spoil, / Rapacious G—d—n fastens on our isle; […] — 1747
5. •
   (no longer used) With a positive or neutral connotation: not overweight; lean, slender, slim.

   • [O]ur friend began to amend, and he was quite well (though gaunt as a greyhound) before they reached the Cape. — 1847
6. •
   (figurative, no longer used) Of a sound: suggesting bleakness and desolation.

   • To the shouting throng / My fancy hears a dismal voice reply, / Like the gaunt echo of a hollow tomb.— […] — 1814