from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
paltry \pal"try\ (p[add]l"tr[y^]), a. [Compar. {Paltrier}
(p[add]l"tr[i^]*[~e]r); superl. {Paltriest}.] [Cf. Prov. E.
paltry refuse, rubbish, LG. palterig ragged, palte, palter, a
rag, a tatter, Dan. pialt, Sw. palta, pl. paltor.]
Mean; vile; worthless; despicable; contemptible; pitiful;
trifling; as, a paltry excuse; paltry gold. --Cowper.
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The paltry prize is hardly worth the cost. --Byron.
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Syn: See {Contemptible}.
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