What is a word for just getting by?

"and Zephyrus eke with his swete breth..." - Chaucer

"Eke" does not mean "get by," or "barely make a living" except in lower-quality cross-Word puzzles. Eke is an old Word meaning "and," or "in addition." Used as a verb, with out it means "stretch, add to, extend." For example, You can eke out this stew by adding a little water, or He eked out a modest living as a janitor by taking odd jobs on the side.