Retail sales rose almost 10 percent in the first few months of the 1993, versus a decline in the Hartford area and more meager gains elsewhere.

Middle-class families, who made only meager gains in the 1970's and 80's, also achieved solid progress in the late 90's.

But several Congressmen said the auto industry's meager gains in the House showed that its lobbying was, at best, inadequate.

But for too long this recovery was "jobless," producing meager gains in living standards.

Moreover, when the automotive sector was excluded, last month's meager gain vanished.

Analysts said the latest data provided little solid information about the state of the economy, which they said seemed to be grinding out further meager gains.

The teasing wind shifted slightly to the left, then the right, negating either crew's meager gains.

Employers expanded their payrolls on a seasonally adjusted basis by 58,000 jobs, a relatively meager gain but the first monthly increase since July.

This time, Barber caught it for a meager 1-yard gain.

Mr. Shaw had a sad look about him, perhaps for his meager gains so far.