What does the term comshaw mean?

"Comshaw" is an archaic term, primarily used in the maritime industry, meaning a bribe or gratuity given to a ship's officer or crew member for a specific service or favor.

Here's a breakdown:

* Origin: The word is thought to be derived from the Hindi word "khush," meaning "pleasure" or "satisfaction."

* Usage: It was commonly used in the 19th century and early 20th century, particularly in relation to cargo handling and customs procedures.

* Examples:

* A ship's captain might receive comshaw from a merchant for allowing them to load their goods onto the ship first.

* A customs officer might be given comshaw to expedite the clearance of a ship's cargo.

Today, the term "comshaw" is rarely used, and the practice of bribery is considered illegal in most jurisdictions. However, it's still interesting to learn about the history of maritime language and how it reflects the complexities of trade and relationships at sea.