BRIBERY

bribery, graft

(noun) the practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

bribery (plural briberies)

the making of illegal payment, or bribes, to persons in official positions as a means of influencing their decisions

(legal) the activity of giving, offering or accepting bribes

Source: Wiktionary

Brib"er*y, n.; pl. Briberies. Etym: [OE. brybery rascality, OF. briberie. See Bribe, n.]

1. Robbery; extortion. [Obs.]

2. The act or practice of giving or taking bribes; the act of influencing the official or political action of another by corrupt inducements. Bribery oath, an oath taken by a person that he has not been bribed as to voting. [Eng.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition