* Origin: "Paltry" comes from the Old French word "paltroi," which originally meant "a pack-horse" or "a nag." This is related to the Italian word "paltruglio," which means "an old nag."
* Meaning Shift: The meaning of "paltruglio" evolved to describe something "worthless" or "of little value," and this transferred to the English word "paltry."
* Modern Use: Today, "paltry" signifies something small, insignificant, or of little worth, often referring to amounts of money or possessions.
So, although the word initially referred to a humble pack animal, it has taken on a completely different meaning over time.