/ grəˈtjuːəti; NAmE -ˈtuː-/ noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
( formal ) money that you give to sb who has provided a service for you
SYN tip
2.
( BrE ) money that is given to employees when they leave their job
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent. (denoting graciousness or favour): from Old French gratuité or medieval Latin gratuitas gift, from Latin gratus pleasing, thankful.