backhander

[ bak-han-der ]

noun

1. a backhanded slap, punch, stroke, or play.
2. British Slang.
   1. a drink served out of turn to a guest as a bottle or decanter is passed around the table during dessert.
   2. a bribe.

backhander

/ ˈbækˌhændə /

noun

1. a backhanded stroke or blow
2. informal.
   an indirect attack
3. slang.
   a bribe

Word History and Origins

Origin of backhander¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; backhand + -er ¹

Example Sentences

But no vibration of any such impatience was in Merivales voice, and in his words there was no backhander to answer it.

From Project Gutenberg

He administered a backhander to Elgood as he spoke, and the next minute Charlie, roused beyond all bearing, had knocked him down.

From Project Gutenberg

A few blows of scorn might suffice—a backhander across the snout, a few swishes with a stick, a kick behind when he turned.

From Project Gutenberg

He ended a string of abuse by a vicious backhander, which I failed to entirely avoid.

From Project Gutenberg