propine

1 of 2

verb

pro·​pine prə-ˈpēn How to pronounce propine (audio) -ˈpīn How to pronounce propine (audio)
propined; propining

transitive verb

chiefly Scotland
: to present or give especially as a token of friendship

propine

2 of 2

noun

Scotland
: a gift in return for a favor

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Middle French propiner, from Latin propinare to present, drink to someone's health, from Greek propinein literally, to drink first, from pro- + pinein to drink — more at potable

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propine was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near propine

Cite this Entry

“Propine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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