Păl'try, a.

a. [compar. PALTHIER; superl. PALTRIEST.] [L. Ger. paltrig, palterig, pultrig, pulterig, pultig, ragged, from palte, pulte, a rag, a tatter; Fries. palt, Dan. pialt, Sw. palta, pl. paltor; Scot. pultrie, peltrie, trash; Prov. Eng. paltry, palt, refuse, rubbish, pelting, paltry, worthless.] Mean; vile; worthless; despicable; as, a paltry boy; a paltry slave; a paltry trifle.

The paltry prize is hardly worth the cost. By᷉ron.

Synonyms—Contemptible; despicable; pitiful; worthless; mean; vile. See CONTEMPTIBLE.