A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A term from Roman law that refers to a present or donation, often given to the poor. It can also refer to a fee paid to officials for performing judicial duties.

• A wealthy Roman might give a sportula to a poor person as a gift.
• In ancient Rome, some officials received a sportula for their work in the courts.

These examples show how sportula was used in ancient Rome to refer to both gifts and payments. The term was used in a variety of contexts, but always involved some kind of exchange or transaction.