slang. Obs. [Of doubtful origin: perh. from SPILL v.] A small gift of money; a tip.
1675. Crowne, Country Wit, II. i. Give a spill to my watch, and my Grace shall drink your health in claret. Ibid., IV. Never make a bustle on your wedding-day! give the constable a spill.
1726. Ayliffe, Parergon, 173. The Bishops who consecrated this Ground, were wont to have a Spill or Sportule from the credulous Laity.
1774. Foote, Cozeners, I. Wks. 1799, II. 151. I will … give him a good spill for his resignation into the bargain.
b. Const. of (money).
1707. J. Stevens, trans. Quevedo’s Com. Wks. (1709), T iij. For a small Spill of Money, he was … my Friend.
1778. Foote, Trip Calais, II. Wks. 1799, II. 347. For a little spill of money, he may put us in a way to get our daughter out.
1815. Scott, Guy M., xxxiv. All dead but Gipsy Gab, and he would go off the country for a spill of money.
