elengedések

Elenge-dések is a Hungarian term that translates to "allowances" or "gratuities" in English. Historically, it referred to voluntary payments made to individuals or groups, often in exchange for services rendered or as a form of patronage. These payments were not typically fixed salaries or wages but rather discretionary amounts given based on appreciation, generosity, or expected future favor.

The concept of elengedések could encompass a wide range of situations. For example, a landowner might give elengedések to a skilled craftsman who completed a job, or a merchant might offer them to a loyal customer as a sign of goodwill. In some historical contexts, it could also refer to payments made by a subordinate to a superior, not as a bribe, but as a customary offering acknowledging their position and influence.

The practice of elengedések was intertwined with social hierarchies and personal relationships in traditional Hungarian society. It reflected a system where formal contracts were less common, and trust, reputation, and informal agreements played a significant role in economic and social interactions. While the term itself is less frequently used in modern economic discourse, the underlying principles of voluntary payments and gratuities continue to exist in various forms, such as tips, bonuses, or gifts.