portion congrue

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pɔʁ.sjɔ̃ kɔ̃.ɡʁy/

Noun

portion congrue f (plural portions congrues)

1. (historical) part of the tithe (dîme) paid by the higher clergy (haut clergé) to the members of the lower clergy (bas clergé) for their sustenance; allowances of the lower clergy
2. (figuratively) tithe, trifling amount (the smallest share, the meanest share, the bare minimum - and possibly even less than that: barely enough)

   réduire à la portion congrue ― to minimize, to cut, to reduce to practically nothing

See also

• part du pauvre
• quantité négligeable