— paltrily , adv. — paltriness , n.
/pawl"tree/ , adj., paltrier, paltriest .
1. ridiculously or insultingly small: a paltry sum.
2. utterly worthless.
3. mean or contemptible: a paltry coward.
[ 1560-70; paltrig ragged, equiv. to * palter rag (dial. G Palter ) + -ig -Y 1 ]
Syn. 1. minor, inconsiderable, slight, insignificant. See petty .
Ant. 1. important, major.