I. paltry noun
also paultry
( -es )
Etymology: English dialect palt, pelt piece of coarse cloth, trash + English -ry; akin to Middle Low German palte rag, Danish pjalt, Swedish palta
obsolete : something useless or worthless : rubbish , trash
II. pal·try adjective
also paul·try ˈpȯl.trē, -ri
( -er/-est )
1. : inferior , trashy , worthless
building paltry houses unfit for occupancy
2. : mean , vile , despicable
a paltry trick
3. : trivial , petty , slight
a paltry excuse
these paltry trials
Synonyms: see petty