gratuity Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter)
    baksheesh; pourboire; bakshis; bakshish; tip; backsheesh.
  2. noun an award (as for meritorious service) given without claim or obligation

WordNet

Gra*tu"i*ty noun
Etymology
F. gratuité, or LL. gratuitas.
Wordforms
plural Gtratuities
Definitions
  1. Something given freely or without recompense; a free gift; a present. Swift.
  2. Something voluntarily given in return for a favor or service, as a recompense or acknowledgment. usually money. In particular, the money given to a waiter, cab driver, bellhop, etc. as a reward for good service = tip

Webster 1913