what does meager mean in this sentence??!!

After this first inspection of the kingdom, we'd scramble down the bank and flop in the meager shadow of the willows next to the wall enclosing the house where the white gate was.

I know meager means lacking quantity and quality but what does it mean in this sentence???!!
HELP ASAP

Willow trees have small leaves, so they only produce a little shade.

thanks Ms. Sue!!:)

i was faaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrr from guessing that...

quick answer too!

You're welcome. :-)

In this sentence, the word "meager" is used to describe the shadow of the willows. It suggests that the size or extent of the shadow is lacking or scarce. So, in this context, "meager" means that the shadow provided by the willows is very small or limited.