ˈspȯ(r)chələ noun
( plural sportu·lae -chəˌlē ; also sportulas )
Etymology: Latin, literally, little basket, diminutive of sporta basket, from (assumed) Etruscan spurta, from Greek spurid-, spuris; akin to Greek sparton plaited rope, esparto — more at spire (spiral)
: a gift (as of food or money) usually from an ancient Roman to one of his clients and often at regular intervals or on prescribed occasions