baksheesh

or bak·shish, bak·shis

[ bak-sheesh, bak-sheesh ]

/ ˈbæk ʃiʃ, bækˈʃiʃ /

(in the Near and Middle East)

noun

a tip, present, or gratuity.

verb (used with or without object)

to give a tip.

Words nearby baksheesh

baking soda, bakke decision, bakkie, baklava, bakra, baksheesh, bakst, baku, bakunin, bakwanga, bal

Origin of baksheesh

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for bakshish

Bakshish they call it here too; that word accompanies you round the world!
Round the Wonderful World|G. E. Mitton
Still more men and boys were gazing up at the ship and calling loudly for "bakshish."
The 28th: A Record of War Service in the Australian Imperial Force, 1915-19, Vol. I|Herbert Brayley Collett
"Your nobility will remember the bakshish," said one of them to Ahmed as they started.
Barclay of the Guides|Herbert Strang
He slipped a coin into the man's hand; bakshish would always smooth the way.
Barclay of the Guides|Herbert Strang

I explain that we don't want her to be frightened, but that if she will come and speak to us she shall have bakshish.
Round the Wonderful World|G. E. Mitton

British Dictionary definitions for bakshish

baksheesh

backsheesh

(in some Eastern countries, esp formerly)

noun

money given as a tip, a present, or alms

verb

to give such money to (a person)

Word Origin for baksheesh

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012