Pit"tance (?), n. [OE. pitance, pitaunce, F. pitance; cf. It. pietanza, LL. pitancia, pittantia, pictantia; perh. fr. L. pietas pity, piety, or perhaps akin to E. petty. Cf. 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."
Chaucer.
One half only of this pittance was ever given him in money.
Macaulay.
2.
A meager portion, quality, or allowance; an inconsiderable salary or compensation.
"The small
pittance of learning they received."
Swift.
The inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors.
Fuller.
© Webster 1913.