pittance

American  

[pit-ns] / ˈpɪt ns /

noun

1. a small amount or share.

2. a small allowance or sum, as of money for living expenses.

3. a scanty income or remuneration.

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pittance British  

/ ˈpɪtəns /

noun

1. a small amount or portion, esp a meagre allowance of money

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Etymology

Origin of pittance

1175–1225; Middle English pitaunce < Old French pitance, variant of pietance piety, pity, allowance of food (in a monastery). See pity, -ance

Example Sentences

He thought he was free, but said he was kept on as a military reservist at a pittance.

From BBC

But the new funding is a pittance compared to some of his rivals.

From Los Angeles Times

She survived on the pittance the Kane family paid to keep her quiet, probably with extra support from family and old friends.

From Literature

“It’s a pittance,” said Jimenez, who is raising a four-year-old granddaughter.

From The Wall Street Journal

They want to buy the house for a pittance, and Father refuses to accept their miserable offers.

From Literature