Definition

1. Noun:
   • A temporary certificate representing a fractional share or a right to something: "scrip" refers to a document that acknowledges a claim, often used as a substitute for money or official stock certificates, especially in corporate or historical financial contexts. Its value is agreed upon by the parties involved, but it is not legal tender.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The company paid its dividend in scrip, which could be exchanged for shares later.
  • During the mining boom, towns sometimes used company scrip at the local store instead of cash.

Advanced Usage

• "scrip issue" or "scrip dividend": A corporate action where a company issues additional shares to existing shareholders instead of a cash dividend.

  • The board approved a scrip dividend, giving investors the option to receive new shares.

• Historical/Collectible Context: Refers to certificates from historical events, like land claims or railroad bonds, now collected.

  • He collects old railroad scrip from the 19th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Scripholder (n): A person who holds scrip certificates.
• Scripophily (n): The study and collection of stock and bond certificates.

Synonyms

• Voucher: A document that can be exchanged for goods or services.
• Certificate: An official document attesting to a fact, such as ownership.
• Coupon: A detachable part of a document, often exchangeable for something.

Related Phrases

• "to issue scrip": To distribute these temporary certificates.

  • The corporation decided to issue scrip to conserve its cash reserves.

• "scrip currency": When scrip is used as a localized medium of exchange.

  • In the company town, scrip currency was the only accepted form of payment.

Related Idioms

• "On scrip": Referring to a system or period where scrip was used for transactions.
  • During the depression, many workers were paid on scrip.

Noun

1. a certificate whose value is recognized by the payer and payee; scrip is not currency but may be convertible into currency