The phrase "to live on a pittance" is usually taken to mean having little money.Some people refer to their state pension as a pittance and it is,in those circumstances,used almost as a term of derision.But what is a pittance?The term pittance (from the Latin pietas,loving kindness) goes back to medieval times and was a gift made to the members of a religious house,such as a monastery,consisting .usually of an extra allowance of food or wine on occasions such as festivals.
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