v. & n.
v. (tipped, tipping) (often foll. by over, up) 1 tr. make a small present of money to, esp. for a service given (have you tipped the porter?). 2 tr. name as the likely winner of a race or contest etc. 3 tr. strike or touch lightly. 4 tr. sl. give, hand, pass (esp. in tip the wink below).
n. 1 a small money present, esp. for a service given. 2 a piece of private or special information, esp. regarding betting or investment. 3 a small or casual piece of advice. tip off 1 give (a person) a hint or piece of special information or warning, esp. discreetly or confidentially. 2 Basketball start play by throwing the ball up between two opponents. tip-off a hint or warning etc. given discreetly or confidentially. tip a person the wink give a person private information. tipper n.
[ ME: orig. uncert. ]