coima 31
1º_ It is a commission or salary (usually illicit) that was paid to the garitero for preparing the gaming tables and what was necessary to receive the bettors in the "house of bribery" or garito. 2º_ It is an archaic way of calling the concubine, and by some association, the prostitute. Perhaps there is a relationship with the previous meaning, to collect or live from a task that is considered sinful. 3º_ Americanism for "bribery" that is paid to obtain an undeserved favor or benefit. It comes to us from the Portuguese coima ("fine"), which takes it from the Latin calumnia, ae ("slander, accusation"), which were associated by the fines paid in many cases for false accusations. Although it could also be a reduction of the lunfardo 'comet' ("bribe, derogatory commission").