E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pro Tanto.
As an instalment, good enough as far as it goes, but not final; for what it is worth.
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“I heard Mr. Parnell accept the Bill of 1886 as a measure that would close the differences between the two countries; but since then he stated that he had accepted it as a pro tanto measure… . It was a parliamentary bet, and he hoped to make future amendments on it.”—Mr. Chamberlain’s speech, April 10th, 1893.
