measly
PRONUNCIATION:
(MEE-zlee, MEEZ-lee) 
MEANING:
adjective:
1. Ridiculously small or bad.
2. Infected with measles.
1. Ridiculously small or bad.
2. Infected with measles.
ETYMOLOGY:
Initially, the word measly was used to describe a pig infected with measles, which is probably derived from Middle Dutch masel (blemish) and its spelling influenced by Middle English mesel (leprous, leprosy). Earliest documented use: 1598.
USAGE:
"This summer inmates in Argentina decided they would no longer accept measly payment for the jobs they do in prison."
Gilding the Cage; The Economist (London, UK); Aug 17, 2013.
Gilding the Cage; The Economist (London, UK); Aug 17, 2013.
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