E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Tommy Shop.
Where wages are paid to workmen who are expected to lay out a part of the money for the good of the shop. Tommy means bread or a penny roll, or the food taken by a workman in his handkerchief; it also means goods in lieu of money. A Tom and Jerry shop is a low drinking-room.
