conscience money

American  

noun

1. money paid, often anonymously, to relieve one's conscience, as for an obligation previously evaded or a wrong done.

---

conscience money British  

noun

1. money paid voluntarily to compensate for dishonesty, esp money paid voluntarily for taxes formerly evaded

---

Etymology

Origin of conscience money

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

conscience money

This was widely viewed as the tribute, in the form of conscience money, that had been originally raised from the blood of the toilers.

From Slate ● Oct. 20, 2012

The Canadian Department of National Revenue received $12 in "conscience money" last week.

From Time Magazine Archive

When the agency finally decided to pull out, it sent a final payment of $1,376,700 in conscience money to Roberto and Savimbi through Kinshasa.

From Time Magazine Archive

In addition a large income came through the vows made by the people or the conscience money which was paid either in currency or gifts.

From The Makers and Teachers of Judaism by Kent, Charles Foster

Madame de Soulas, who had been uneasy as to her daughter's intentions, was touched by this liberality, and made her a present of six thousand francs a year in the funds as conscience money.

From Albert Savarus by Marriage, Ellen