'penurious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'penuria,' where 'penuria' meant 'want' or 'scarcity'.

'penuria' passed into Late Latin and then into English via adjective formation (Latin/Old French influences), with the English adjective 'penurious' forming by adding the suffix '-ous' to the root and appearing in Late Middle English/early Modern English.

Initially it meant 'suffering from scarcity' or 'in want', and over time it broadened to include the senses 'stingy' or 'meager' in modern usage.