Pit'tance, n.

n. [Fr. pittance, Pr. pitansa, piatansa, piedansa, Sp. pitinza, It. pietanza, L. Lat. pitancia, pittantia, pictantia, originally pity, charity, a charitable donation, like pietanza in O. It., and pitanga in O. Pg., from Lat. pietas. See PITY.] 1. An allowance of food, bestowed in charity; hence, a charity gift. One half of this pittance was even given him in money. Macmillan. 2. Any small allowance; a trifle; hence, a small quantity or number. “The inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors.” Fuller.