propine

American  

[proh-peen, proh-peen, -pahyn] / proʊˈpin, proʊˈpin, -ˈpaɪn /

verb (used with object)

propined, propining

1. to offer as a present.

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noun

1. a present; gift.

Etymology

Origin of propine

First recorded in 1400–50; Late Middle English propinen, from Middle French propiner “to give to drink, drink to one's health,” from Latin propīnāre, from Greek propī́nein “to drink up, drink to one's health,” equivalent to pro- + pī́nein “to drink”; see origin at pro- ²

Example Sentences

The which propine I send thee in token that it is my purpose, business and health permitting, to occupy the central place of the pit on the night of thy said beneficiary or benefit.

From Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume 6 by Lockhart, J. G. (John Gibson)

“I’ll hold my hand,” the Friar said,   “Since that is your propine, But, an you sound your bugle-horn,   I’ll even blow on mine!”

From The Bon Gaultier Ballads by Doyle, Richard

I think there be none in the whole Clan Quhele, save those which I myself gave to Gilchrist MacIan, whom God assoilzie, who esteemed them a choice propine.

From The Fair Maid of Perth Or, St. Valentine's Day by Scott, Walter, Sir

"Oh! we maun send the Queen a stag, And grouse for her propine, And we'll send her a cask o' the usquebaugh, And a butt o' the red French wine!"

From New Collected Rhymes by Lang, Andrew

"And if I were thine, and in thy propine, O what wad ye do to me?"

From English and Scottish Ballads, Volume II (of 8) by Various