| 释义 |
pit·tance
\ˈpitən(t)s\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English pitaunce, from Old French pitance piety, pity, allowance of food given a member of a religious house, from Medieval Latin pietantia, pitantia, from pietant-, pietans (present participle of pietari to be pious, be charitable, from Latin pietas piety) + Latin -ia -y — more at pity
1.
a. archaic : a gift or bequest made to a religious community (as to provide anniversary masses for a deceased person or to provide additional food or drink on festivals or similar occasions)
b. : a usually small charitable gift (as of money, food, clothing) : alms
2.
a. : a usually small often barely sufficient portion, amount, or allowance
< had received a mere pittance of education >
often : a meager wage or remuneration
< lived in squalid, verminous slums, worked long hours for a pittance — W.S.Maugham >
b. : a small special allowance (as of extra food or drink) apportioned out to the members of a religious community on festivals or similar occasions |