n. (Zool.) Any one of a large group of bright-colored clamatorial birds belonging to Pitta, and allied genera of the family Pittidæ. Most of the species are varied with three or more colors, such as blue, green, crimson, yellow, purple, and black. They are called also ground thrushes, and Old World ant thrushes; but they are not related to the true thrushes. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The pittas are most abundant in the East Indies, but some inhabit Southern Asia, Africa, and Australia. They live mostly upon the ground, and feed upon insects of various kinds. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. pi`tta, pi`ssa, pitch + kalo`s beautiful: cf. F. pittacale. ] (Chem.) A dark blue substance obtained from wood tar. It consists of hydrocarbons which when oxidized form the orange-yellow eupittonic compounds, the salts of which are dark blue. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. pitance, pitaunce, F. pitance; cf. It. pietanza, LL. pitancia, pittantia, pictantia; perh. fr. L. pietas pity, piety, or perhaps akin to E. petty. Cf. Petty, and Pity. ] 1. An allowance of food bestowed in charity; a mess of victuals; hence, a small charity gift; a dole. “A good pitaunce.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

One half only of this pittance was ever given him in money. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A meager portion, quantity, or allowance; an inconsiderable salary or compensation. “The small pittance of learning they received.” Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

The inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]