a. [ Compar. Paltrier 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
The paltry prize is hardly worth the cost. Byron. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- See Contemptible. [ 1913 Webster ]