n.
Pronunciation: ' pu ̇ r, ' po ̇ r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English poure, from Anglo-French povre, pore, from Latin pauper; akin to Latin paucus little and to Latin parere to give birth to, produce ― more at FEW , PARE
Date: 13th century
1 a : lacking material possessions b : of, relating to, or characterized by poverty
2 a : less than adequate : MEAGER b : small in worth
3 : exciting pity <you poor thing>
4 a : inferior in quality or value b : HUMBLE , UNPRETENTIOUS c : MEAN , PETTY
5 : LEAN , EMACIATED
6 : BARREN , UNPRODUCTIVE ― used of land
7 : INDIFFERENT , UNFAVORABLE
8 : lacking a normal or adequate supply of something specified ― often used in combination <oil- poor countries>
– poor · ish \ -ish \ adjective
– poor · ness noun