tip

tip

tip¹ [tip]

n.

[ME tippe, akin to MLowG tip, point, top, Ger zipf- in zipfel, an end, tip, prob. < IE base * dumb-, tail > Avestan duma-, tail]

1. the pointed, tapering, or rounded end or top of something long and slim

2. something attached to the end, as a cap, ferrule, etc.

3. a top or apex, as of a mountain

vt.

tipped, tipping

1. to make a tip on

2. to cover the tip or tips of (with something)

3. to serve as the tip of

☆ 4. to remove the stems from (berries, etc.)

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tip in

to insert (a map, picture, etc.) by pasting along the inner edge in bookbinding

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tip of the iceberg

a small difficulty, problem, misdeed, etc. that is thought to be only a part of one larger in scope

tipless

adj.

tip² [tip]

vt.

tipped, tipping [akin ? to TIP¹]

1. to strike lightly and sharply; tap

2. to give a small present of money to (a waiter, porter, etc.) for some service

3. Informal

a) to give secret information to in an attempt to be helpful: often with off

b) to reveal or divulge (a secret, plot, etc.)

☆ 4. Baseball

a) to hit (the ball) a glancing blow

b) to glance off (the bat, glove, etc.): said of the ball

5. Sports to deflect or tap (a ball, puck, etc.) in a particular direction, esp. into a goal

vi.

to give a tip or tips

n.

1. a light, sharp blow; tap: cf. FOUL TIP

2. a piece of secret information given confidentially in an attempt to be helpful [a tip on the race]

3. a suggestion, hint, warning, etc.

4. a small sum of money, often a percentage of the total billed, given to a waiter, porter, etc. for services; gratuity

5. Sports a deflection or tap of the ball, puck, etc., esp. one that scores a goal

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☆ tip one's hand or tip one's mitt

Slang to reveal a secret, one's plans, etc., often inadvertently

tip³ [tip]

vt.

tipped, tipping [ME tipen < ?]

1. to overturn or upset: often with over

2. to cause to tilt or slant

3. to raise slightly or touch the brim of (one's hat) in salutation

vi.

1. to tilt or slant

2. to overturn or topple: often with over

n.

1. a tipping or being tipped; tilt; slant

2. Brit. a place for dumping rubbish, etc.; dump

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tip the scales [see SCALE³]

to give an advantage to one possible outcome over another

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tip the scales at

to weigh (a specified amount)