The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

paltry \pal"try\ (p[add]l"tr[y^]), a. [Compar. Paltrier
   (p[add]l"tr[i^]*[~e]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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