PITTANCE

pittance. (fr) pittance, short, banquet

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pittance. Pittance, n. a small allowance, a little portion

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Pit″tance (pĭt″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. 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. 2. A meager portion, quantity, or allowance; an inconsiderable salary or compensation. “The small pittance of learning they received.” Swift.
The inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors. Fuller.