earnest money

money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1550–60

I congratulated myself on having taken the packet and paid the earnest-money, and went to bed.
The Memoires of Casanova, Complete|Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
By this time Mr. Grewgious had his agreement-lines, and his earnest-money, ready.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood|Charles Dickens
The earnest-money, said to have been paid on these herds, is correct to a cent, and we admit having the amount in our possession.
The Outlet|Andy Adams
He said no word as to his birth, but asked him leave to trade on his lands, offering a ring as earnest-money.
The Red Romance Book|Various

He would never give anyone credit in the payment of his works, and always insisted on having his earnest-money.
Lives of the Most Eminent Painters Sculptors and Architects|Giorgio Vasari