baksheesh n a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter) Usage(s) To import goods, you have to pay baksheesh. Many of the nouveau Reds simply wanted their go at baksheesh. Somali children sneak through shell holes in a wall to beg for food and baksheesh. Synonym(s) gratuity tip pourboire bakshish bakshis backsheesh