Cumshaws

/ˈkʌmʃɔːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cumshaw; multiple instances of gratuities, tips, bribes, or reward money.

Etymology

Plural of 'cumshaw,' from Chinese Pidgin English derived from 'jing shui' (gift money); the regular '-s' plural follows English conventions for noun pluralization.

Kelly Says

The existence of a plural form for 'cumshaw' in historical texts shows this wasn't just a one-time borrowed word—traders and sailors used it regularly enough that they needed to talk about multiple instances of tipping.

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