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pittance |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pittance \Pit"tance\ (p[i^]t"tans), n. [OE. pitance, pitaunce F. pitance; cf It pietanza LL pitancia pittantia pictantia perh. fr L. pietas pity, piety, or perhaps akin to E. petty. Cf {Petty}, and {Pity}.] 1. An allowance of food bestowed in charity; a mess of victuals; hence a small charity gift; a dole. ``A good pitaunce.'' --Chaucer. One half only of this pittance was ever given him in money. --Macaulay. 2. A meager portion, quantity, or allowance; an inconsiderable salary or compensation. ``The small pittance of learning they received.'' --Swift. The inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors. --Fuller. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: pittance n : an inadequate payment; "they work all day for a mere pittance"
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