See Also: paltry(dictionary)
paltry(dictionary)

paltry (iou)



paltry noun & adjective. M16.
[App. from a var. of PELT noun3 + -RY. For the adjective cf. TRUMPERY, also Middle Low German palter- in palterlappen rags, Low German paltrig ragged, torn. Cf. also PELTING adjective1, PELTRY noun2.]
A. noun. Rubbish, trash; something worthless. Now dial. M16.
b. adjective. Trashy, worthless; petty, trifling; contemptible. L16.
D. H. Lawrence And now he looked paltry and insignificant. H. Wouk The French premier did not know what a paltry air force America had.
paltriness noun E18.