gratuity

[ gruh-too-i-tee, -tyoo- ]

/ grəˈtu ɪ ti, -ˈtyu- /

a gift of money, over and above payment due for service, as to a waiter or bellhop; tip.

something given without claim or demand.

British.

Origin of gratuity

1515–25; < Middle French gratuite, equivalent to Latin grātuī(tus) free + Middle French -te -ty²

He dismissed one hundred and eighty postmen, reinstated them, reprimanded them—and awarded them gratuities.

Penguin Island |Anatole France
Having the qualifications, one could earn twenty-five dollars a month in salary and three or four times as much in gratuities.

The Spenders |Harry Leon Wilson
It is probable that Williams under-stated the revenue, but it is certain that the income, apart from gratuities, was insufficient.

A Book About Lawyers |John Cordy Jeaffreson
His clothes he bought generously; he gave without stint to his children; his gratuities were always liberal.

Mark Twain, A Biography, 1835-1910, Complete |Albert Bigelow Paine

He was met by the janitor with a cordiality born of the remembrance of many past gratuities.

Flint |Maud Wilder Goodwin

gratuity

/ (ɡrəˈtjuːɪtɪ) /

a gift or reward, usually of money, for services rendered; tip

something given without claim or obligation

military a financial award granted for long or meritorious service