E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Tip.
Private information, secret warning. In horse-racing, it means such secret information as may guide the person tipped to make bets advantageously. A “straight tip” comes straight or direct from the owner or trainer of the horse in question. A man will sometimes give the police the “tip,” or hint where a gang of confederates lie concealed, or where law-breakers may be found. Thus, houses of ill-fame and keepers of clandestine gaming houses in league with the police, receive the “tip” when spies are on them or legal danger is abroad.
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“If he told the police, he felt assured that the ‘tip’ would be given to the parties concerned, and his efforts would be frustracted.”—Mr. Stead’s defence, November 2nd, 1885.
He gave me a tip—a present of money, a bribe. (See DIES.)
