colloq. [from TIP sb.4]
1. trans. To give a ‘tip’ or piece of private information about; esp. to mention or indicate as a probable winner, a profitable speculation, etc.
1883. [see TIPPING vbl. sb.3].
1894. Westm. Gaz., 24 Feb., 7/2. I am inclined to ‘tip’ Aston Villa both to head the League and to win the Cup. Ibid. (1897), 6 July, 9/2. Florio Rubattino … has been ‘tipped’ by some of the papers for this race. Ibid. (1902), 15 Jan., 11/1. At this time when South African shares are being ‘tipped.’ Ibid. (1909), 6 Sept., 10/1. A run up to 90, the price for which the shares are tipped, would be the easiest thing in the world.
2. To give a ‘tip’ to; to furnish (a person) with private information as to the chances of some event.
1891. in Cent. Dict.
1895. Funk’s Standard Dict., s.v., The jockey tipped the bookmaker.
3. intr. To furnish ‘tips’; to carry on the business of a tipster.
1903. Farmer & Henley, Slang Dict., Tip.… As verb = to impart exclusive information.
1909. Westm. Gaz., 8 April, 8/3. I’m a racing man, and I’ve tipped on all the principal race-courses in England.
