Main Entry:

pit·tance

Pronunciation:

\ˈpi-t^ən(t)s\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English pitance, from Anglo-French, piety, pity, dole, portion, from Medieval Latin pietantia, from pietant-, pietans, present participle of pietari to be charitable, from Latin pietas piety — more at pity

Date:

14th century

: a small portion, amount, or allowance ; also : a meager wage or remuneration