English Explanatory Dictionary

pittance

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A small allowance of food and drink; a scanty meal.
  2. A meagre allowance of money or wages.
  3. A small amount.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɪtəns/ [ˈpʰɪʔn̩s] LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-pittance.wav

Word forms

pittance pittances

Etymology

From Middle English pitaunce, from Old French pitance, pitence, from Medieval Latin *pietāntia, from Latin pietās (“piety”).

Derived words

pittance payment pittancer
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