Also kumshaw. [According to Giles, the Amoy pronunciation, kam-siā, of the Chinese words kan to be grateful, hsieh thanks = ‘grateful thanks,’ a phrase of thanks used by beggars.] In the Chinese ports: A present or gratuity; a baksheesh.
1839. H. Malcom, Trav., II. Gloss., Cum-shaw, a present. At Canton, custom has made some cumshaws matter of right.
1885. ‘Where Chineses Drive,’ 163. Baldpate … had the exceeding coolness to ask for a cumshaw as they left.
Hence Cumshaw v., to make a present to.
