scarce

scarce is an Adverb

Definition:

[1] Not plentiful or abundant; in small quantity in proportion to the demand; not easily to be procured; rare; uncommon. You tell him silver is scarcer now in England, and therefore risen one fifth in value. Locke. The scarcest of all is a Pescennius Niger on a medallion well preserved. Addison.

[2] Scantily supplied (with); deficient (in); -- with of. [Obs.] "A region scarce of prey." Milton.

[3] Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; stingy. [Obs.] "Too scarce ne too sparing." Chaucer. To make one`s self scarce, to decamp; to depart. [Slang]