Main Entry: pal·try

Pronunciation: \ˈpȯl-trē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): pal·tri·er; pal·tri·est

Etymology: obsolete paltry trash, from dial. palt, pelt piece of coarse cloth, trash; akin to Middle Low German palte rag

Date: 1570

1 : inferior, trashy
2 : mean, despicable <a paltry trick>
3 : trivial <a paltry excuse>
4 : meager, measly <made a paltry donation>

— pal·tri·ness noun