Pit"tance (?), 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, quality, or allowance; an inconsiderable salary or compensation.

"The small pittance of learning they received."

Swift.

The inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors. Fuller.

 

© Webster 1913.

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