Definitions
1.VerbTo incur a cost to participate in an activity; especially, in a corrupt way.
To make a campaign contribution or illegal payment to avail oneself of business or other opportunities controlled by politicians or civil servants.
2.VerbTo make a campaign contribution or illegal payment to avail oneself of business or other opportunities controlled by politicians or civil servants.
3.VerbUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pay, to, play.
4.NounAny kind of charge to engage in an activity.
Campaign contributions (or outright bribes or graft) required to avail oneself of certain opportunities controlled by politicians, such as uncompetitive government contracts.
5.NounCampaign contributions (or outright bribes or graft) required to avail oneself of certain opportunities controlled by politicians, such as uncompetitive government contracts.