puə adj. 1
lacking adequate money or
means to live comfortably. 2 (foll. by in)
deficient in (a
possession or quality) (the poor in spirit). 3 a
scanty,
inadequate (a poor crop). b
less good than is
usual or expected (poor
visibility; is a poor
driver; in poor health). c
paltry;
inferior (poor
condition;
came a poor third). 4 a
deserving pity or
sympathy;
unfortunate (you poor thing). b
with reference to a
dead person (as my poor
father used to say). 5
spiritless;
despicable (is a poor creature). 6
often iron. or joc.
humble;
insignificant (in my poor opinion). øpoor-box a collection-box,
esp. in
church,
for the relief of the poor. poor
law hist. a law relating to the
support of paupers. poor man's an inferior or cheaper
substitute for. poor man's weather-glass the
pimpernel. poor-rate hist. a rate or assessment for relief or support of the poor. poor
relation an inferior or
subordinate member of a
family or
any other group. poor-spirited
timid;
cowardly. poor
White offens. (esp. used by Blacks) a member of a socially inferior group of White
people.
take a poor
view of
regard with
disfavour or
pessimism. [ME & OF pov(e)re, poure f. L pauper]
