Pittance | 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 ] |