Origin Of "tip."

Here is an interesting bit of philology. It concerns the origin of the word "tip," and throws a little light on the origin of the custom. In old English taverns a receptacle for small coin was placed conspicuously, and over it was written, "To insure promptness." Whatever was dropped in the box by guests was divided among the servants. In the course of time the abbreviated form, "T. I. P.," was used.