also: なみだかね
consolation money; token compensation
A small sum of money given as a gesture of sympathy or to smooth over a problem, often implying it is inadequate or merely symbolic. The literal meaning is 'tear money'.
The settlement money for the accident was just a token amount.
The company gave the fired employee a small consolation payment.
Standard kanji spelling.
Obsolete reading; it is out-dated kana usage.
Compound of 涙 (tears) and 金 (money), literally 'tear money'. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely arose from the idea of money given to wipe away tears or as a small gesture to console someone.