paltry (p&asuml_;ltr&ybreve_;), a. [Compar. Paltrier (p&asuml_;ltr&ibreve_;&etilde_;r); superl. Paltriest.] [Cf. Prov. E. paltry refuse, rubbish, LG. palterig ragged, palte, palter, a rag, a tatter, Dan. pialt, Sw. palta, pl. paltor.] Mean; vile; worthless; despicable; contemptible; pitiful; trifling; as, a paltry excuse; paltry gold. Cowper.
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The paltry prize is hardly worth the cost. Byron.
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Syn. -- See Contemptible.
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