E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Chantage.
A subsidy paid to a journal. Certain journals will pronounce a company to be a “bubble one” unless the company advertises in its columns; and at gaming resorts will publish all the scandals and mischances connected with the place unless the proprietors subsidise them, or throw a sop to Cerberus. This subsidy is technically known as Chantage in France and Italy.
