noun

1. any of the characters of an alphabet (futhark) probably derived from a Greek script and used by the Scandinavians and other early Germanic peoples from about 300
2. something inscribed or written in such characters
3. 1. a Finnish or Old Norse poem or canto
   2. Old Poet. any poem, verse, or song, esp. one that is mystical or obscure

Etymology: ME roun < OE run, secret, mystery, runic character; readopted in the 17th c. in form of ON rūn: both < IE echoic base *reu-, hoarse sound, roar, grumble > Welsh rhin, secret, L raucus, hoarse; in runesense < Finn runo, poem, canto < ON rūn