from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tipple \Tip"ple\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Tippled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Tippling}.] [From tip a small end, or a word akin to it; cf.
Norw. tipla to tipple, to drip, Prov. E. tip, tiff, tift, a
draught of liquor, dial. G. zipfeln to eat and drink in small
parts. See {Tip} a point, and cf. {Tipsy}.]
To drink spirituous or strong liquors habitually; to indulge
in the frequent and improper used of spirituous liquors;
especially, to drink frequently in small quantities, but
without absolute drunkeness.
[1913 Webster]
Few of those who were summoned left their homes, and
those few generally found it more agreeable to tipple
in alehouses than to pace the streets. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]