Paltry, a. [Compar. Paltrier (; superl. Paltriest.]
Etymology: [Cf. Prov. E. paltry refuse, rubbish, LG. paltering 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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for paltry; he lists it under pitiful.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.