Question

What do you mean by the word, 'brute' in the expression, "Which was
reckoned greater, the man or the brute"?
A)a brute
B) the man
C) the sculpture
D) the tiger.​

Answer 1

It has the following meanings:

1.a savage person or animal

2.a cruel or insensitive person

3.something awkward, difficult, or unpleasant

In the expression, it is referring to the 3rd point here. Hope it helps.