noun
cigarette money; money for tobacco
Refers to a small amount of money set aside for buying cigarettes or tobacco; often used in the context of pocket money or a modest allowance.
父は毎月、タバコ銭だけは自分で管理している。
Every month, my father manages only his cigarette money by himself.
タバコ銭が足りなくて、今日は買えなかった。
I didn't have enough cigarette money and couldn't buy any today.
小遣い is general pocket money or allowance, while タバコ銭 specifically refers to money for buying cigarettes.
Compound of タバコ (tobacco/cigarette) and 銭 (money, a slightly old-fashioned term for coins or small amounts of money).