propine

[proh-peen, proh-peen, -pahyn]

verb (used with object)

propined, propining 

1. to offer as a present.

noun

1. a present; gift.

Word History and Origins

Origin of propine¹

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”; pro- ²

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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"Well and veritably indited," said Peter; "but it would lubricate and facilitate the gaining of Anne's consent to the payment of this money, if I could report to her that it was to be paid as a matrimonial propine to the man she loveth; and, to be honest, I cannot, of a truth, pay it, but upon that stipulation."

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“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!”

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"Dinna ye ken, Nelly woman, his presence will vex you no longer? you're at liberty to go your own gate, and be as you have been—that was his propine," whispered Lady Staneholme, in sorrowful perplexity, but without rousing Nelly from her stupor.

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