Pittance
/ˈpɪt.əns/noun
A very small amount of money, food, or another resource.
Did you know?In medieval religious communities, a pittance was originally an extra food or money allowance provided from a pious fund or charitable donation.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
pietas
“Duty, dutifulness, or devotion, especially toward gods, family, or community”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
pietantia
“A charitable allowance or provision granted from religious funds”
12th–13th Century
Old French
pitance
“A charitable portion of food or money, particularly in a religious institution”
14th Century
Middle English
pitaunce
“A small allowance or charitable provision”
Modern English
English
pittance
“A very small amount, especially of money or food”