See Also: gratuity(dictionary)
gratuity(dictionary)

gratuity (iou)



gratuity noun. L15.
[Old French gratuite or medieval Latin gratuitas gift, formed as GRATE adjective: see -ITY.]
Graciousness, favour; esp. God's grace or favour; a favour, a kindness. L15-M17.
A gift (usu. of money) of an amount decided by the giver. Now usu. = TIP noun5. M16.
Oxford English Dictionary: The attendants..are forbidden to receive gratuities.
b. Payment, wages. M17-M19.
A bounty given to service personnel on discharge etc. E19.
W. S. Churchill The subject of gratuities and other release benefits for members of the Forces.
Gratuitousness. rare. M19.