Pal″try (–try̆), a. [Compar.Paltrier (–trĭ‐ẽr); 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.
The paltry prize is hardly worth the cost. Byron.
Syn. — See Contemptible.