Both Uses of
scarcity
in
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
- Nay, their endeavour keeps in the wonted pace: but there is, sir, an aery of children, little eyases, that cry out on the top of question, and are most tyrannically clapped for't: these are now the fashion; and so berattle the common stages,—so they call them,—that many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose-quills and dare scarce come thither.†
Scene 2.2scarce = in short supply OR barely or hardly (by a small margin)
- Faith, if he be not rotten before he die,—as we have many pocky corses now-a-days that will scarce hold the laying in,—he will last you some eight year or nine year: a tanner will last you nine year.†
Scene 5.1 *
Definition:
shortage (having an amount that is less than desired)