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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] pittance |
Dot Coms with the word pittance in them As of 12/11/08
APITTANCEOFTIME