Note E493 — 114.
Reading edition
Penny-ale is common, thin ale. It is spoken of in Piers Plowman, ed. Skeat, Passus xv. l. 310, as a most meagre drink, only fitted for strict-living friars. It was sold at a penny a gallon, while the best ale was four pence.
"Peny ale and podyng ale she poured togideres For labourers and for lowe folke, þat lay by hym-selue." —Piers Plowman, B. Text, Passus v. 220.