Chapter Pooler to Popular of P by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

(f) Without prosperous conditions or good results; unfavorable; unfortunate; unconformable; as, a poor business; the sick man had a poor night. (g) Inadequate; insufficient; insignificant; as, a poor excuse.

That I have wronged no man will be a poor plea or apology at the last day.

Calamy.

4. Worthy of pity or sympathy; — used also sometimes as a term of endearment, or as an expression of modesty, and sometimes as a word of contempt.

And for mine own poor part,
Look you, I'll go pray.

Shak.

Poor, little, pretty, fluttering thing.

Prior.

5. Free from self-assertion; not proud or arrogant; meek. "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Matt. v. 3.

Poor law, a law providing for, or regulating, the relief or support of the poor. — Poor man's treacle (Bot.), garlic; — so called because it was thought to be an antidote to animal poison. [Eng] Dr. Prior. — Poor man's weatherglass (Bot.), the red-flowered pimpernel which opens its blossoms only in fair weather. — Poor rate, an assessment or tax, as in an English parish, for the relief or support of the poor. — Poor soldier (Zoöl.), the friar bird. — The poor, those who are destitute of property; the indigent; the needy. In a legal sense, those who depend on charity or maintenance by the public. "I have observed the more public provisions are made for the poor, the less they provide for themselves." Franklin.

Poor
(Poor) n. (Zoöl.) A small European codfish (Gadus minutus); — called also power cod.

Poorbox
(Poor"box`) n. A receptacle in which money given for the poor is placed.

Poorhouse
(Poor"house`) n. A dwelling for a number of paupers maintained at public expense; an almshouse; a workhouse.

Poor-john
(Poor"-john`) n. (Zoöl.) A small European fish, similar to the cod, but of inferior quality.

Poor-john and apple pies are all our fare.

Sir J. Harrington.

Poorliness
(Poor"li*ness) n. The quality or state of being poorly; ill health.

Poorly
(Poor"ly), adv.

1. In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort; as, to live poorly.

2. With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage; as, to do poorly in business.

3. Meanly; without spirit.

Nor is their courage or their wealth so low,
That from his wars they poorly would retire.

Dryden.

4. Without skill or merit; as, he performs poorly.

Poorly off, not well off; not rich.

Poorly
(Poor"ly), a. Somewhat ill; indisposed; not in health. "Having been poorly in health." T. Scott.

Poorness
(Poor"ness), n. The quality or state of being poor Bacon.

Poor-spirited
(Poor"-spir`it*ed) a. Of a mean spirit; cowardly; base. — Poor"-spir`it*ed*ness, n.