Short money

noun

1. (in Britain) the annual payment made to Opposition parties in the House of Commons to help them pay for certain services necessary to the carrying out of their parliamentary duties; established in 1975 Compare Cranborne money

Word History and Origins

Origin of Short money¹

named after the Rt Hon. Edward Short MP, Leader of the House of Commons in 1975

Example Sentences

So she was able to calculate how much her husband had earned, and could call him to account if he gave her short money.

From Project Gutenberg

Locke declared that he regretted the loss which, if his advice were taken, would fall on the holders of the short money.

From Project Gutenberg

I thought he had paid me short money—they're such cheats in the South!

From Project Gutenberg