pis aller
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It seemed to me, in my then ignorance, like a pis aller, when the postillion said, 'Let us try the "France,"' and little prepared me for the handsome, but somewhat small, hotel before me.
From Arthur O'Leary His Wanderings And Ponderings In Many Lands by Lever, Charles James
There might be a way open, perhaps, by my offering to marry that worthy lady! but that would be quite a pis aller.
From North and South by Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn
Dinner was looked forward to with curiosity, as well as appetite; my wife, as usual, distrusting our experiments, was not sanguine of success, and made ready some plain food as a pis aller*.
From Swiss Family Robinson by Wyss, Johann David
When I wouldn't take her place, a pis aller merely.
From A Woman of Genius by Austin, Mary Hunter
A young man lacking means, and possessing only a moderate degree, who feels inclined, as many do, to drift into schoolmastering as a pis aller, should read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest this book.
From The Lighter Side of School Life by Hay, Ian
