1. A relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter)
   "He left a generous backsheesh for the attentive server";
   - gratuity, tip, pourboire, baksheesh [Asia], bakshish [Asia], bonsella [S.Africa]
    
2. (South Asia, Middle East) a bribe or payment made to expedite service or gain favour
   "Officials sometimes expect backsheesh to process paperwork";
   - baksheesh [Asia], bakshish [Asia]
    
3. (South Asia, Middle East) charitable giving or alms
   "He distributed backsheesh to the poor during religious festivals";
   - baksheesh [Asia], bakshish [Asia]

Derived forms: backsheeshes

Type of: fringe benefit, perk, perquisite

Encyclopedia: Backsheesh