Pittance
Pittance (pit"tans) , noun
[Old English pitance, pitaunce, French pitance; compare Italian pietanza, Late Latin pitancia, pittantia, pictantia; perh. from Latin pietas pity, piety, or perhaps akin to English petty. Compare Petty, and Pity.]
1.
An allowance of food bestowed in charity; a mess of victuals; hence, a small charity gift; a dole.
A good pitaunce.
One half only of this pittance was ever given him in money.
2.
A meager portion, quantity, or allowance; an inconsiderable salary or compensation.
The small pittance of learning they received.
The inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors.