1. Characteristic of being very small, ridiculously small, or very few in amount: There were only a measly number of people who voted to have the project.

The man left the waiter a measly 50 cents for a tip.

Just before the store was being closed for the day, Steve told the clerk that all he wanted was a few measly minutes to pick up a carton of milk.

2. Being infected with an acute infectious disease: Martin was told by the dermatologist that he had the beginning of a measly illness and that he should get home as soon as possible.