shave

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An exorbitant discount on a note.

Register: dated, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

yea, tis knowable that the paper money of some of them would not pass, comparatively speaking, much, if any, beyond the smoke of the chimney from whence 'twas issued and circulated before you, or those who had it would have to take a broker's shave on it , at the rate of from a ¼, to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A premium paid for an extension of the time of delivery or payment, or for the right to vary a stock contract in any particular.

Register: dated, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “shave” mean?

An exorbitant discount on a note.

Is “shave” formal or informal?

shave is generally dated, slang.