'Pittance' definitions:

Definition of 'pittance'

From: WordNet
noun
An inadequate payment; "they work all day for a mere pittance"

Definition of 'Pittance'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • One half only of this pittance was ever given him in money. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A meager portion, quantity, or allowance; an inconsiderable salary or compensation. "The small pittance of learning they received." --Swift. [1913 Webster]
  • The inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]