pis aller

[ pee za-ley ]

noun

, French.

1. the last resort or the final resource.

pis aller

/ piz ale /

noun

1. a last resort; stopgap

Word History and Origins

Origin of pis aller¹

literally: (at) the worst going

Example Sentences

It would be time enough to give in, and make the best of a pis aller , when he was forced to do so.

From Project Gutenberg

All this, of course, was but making the best of a pis-aller.

From Project Gutenberg

My poor fellow went off in a fit, last week, and I took that Irishman as a pis aller.

From Project Gutenberg

It was just a coincidence of the 'premier pas' and the 'pis aller.'

From Project Gutenberg

To the present writer it seems a pis aller which high-minded married persons should avoid if they can practise self-restraint.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• Band-Aid