baksheesh

or bak·shish, bak·shis

[ bak-sheesh, bak-sheesh ]

noun

1. a tip, present, or gratuity.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to give a tip.

baksheesh

/ ˈbækʃiːʃ /

noun

1. money given as a tip, a present, or alms

verb

1. to give such money to (a person)

Word History and Origins

Origin of baksheesh¹

First recorded in 1615–25, baksheesh is from the Persian word bakhshish gift

Word History and Origins

Origin of baksheesh¹

C17: from Persian bakhshīsh , from bakhshīdan to give; related to Sanskrit bhaksati he enjoys

Example Sentences

In this case, at least, it was a genteel way of describing old-fashioned baksheesh.

From The Daily Beast

But Republicans can at least be unapologetic about stuffing their pockets with Wall Street baksheesh.

From The Daily Beast

The next best thing to do is to forget the wish, pay two-pence in baksheesh and ride away to get the most of a glorious view.

From Project Gutenberg

I think, by-the-way, some of these beggars only cry baksheesh from habit, and never expect to get anything.

From Project Gutenberg

It put an end to baksheesh—graft as you call it—in Thebes, and it would be valuable to-day in Cairo, I should think.

From Project Gutenberg

Five francs is a large baksheesh in Cairo, but I did not begrudge it, as matters stood.

From Project Gutenberg

Mounted men were racing off full speed to Kabul and the other big towns; those who got in first received the baksheesh.

From Project Gutenberg