cum·shaw I. noun alsocum·sha\ˈkəmˌshȯ\ (-s) Etymology: Chinese (Amoy) kam sia & (Pekingese) kan3 eh4 grateful thanks (a phrase used by beggars) : present, bonus, gratuity, tip II. transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) : to make a present of < resigned to cumshawing ten cents an hour to any stevedore foreman who would give them a short job — N.C.McDonald >