Skip to content

Table of Contents

The word for today is…

pittance (noun) -

: a small portion, amount, or allowance. Also : a meager wage or remuneration

Source : Merriam-Webster

Etymology : It's a pity when you haven't anything but a pittance. And in fact, pity and pittance share etymological roots. The Middle English word pittance came from Anglo-French pitance, meaning "pity" or "piety." Originally, a pittance was a gift or bequest to a religious community, or a small charitable gift. Ultimately, the word comes from the Latin pietas, meaning "piety" or "compassion." Our words pity and piety come from pietas as well.

If you enjoyed this Good Oil word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest