also: いんぶつ
noun
gift to curry favor; bribe
Refers to a present given with the intention of building a friendly relationship or gaining favor, often with a negative connotation of bribery. The term is somewhat old-fashioned and not commonly used in modern everyday conversation.
役人に音物を贈って便宜を図ってもらおうとした。
He tried to get a favor from the official by giving him a bribe.
昔の商人は取引先に音物を届けて関係を
Merchants in the old days built relationships by sending gifts to their business partners.
Alternate kanji form, read いんぶつ. Less common.
Kana spelling for the reading いんぶつ.
The term 音物 (いんもつ) is of uncertain origin. It may be related to the idea of 'sound' (音) as a means of communication or announcement, but the exact derivation is unclear. The alternate form 引物 (いんぶつ) suggests a possible connection to 'pulling' or 'drawing' someone's favor.