head money

American  

noun

1. a tax of so much per head or person.

2. a reward paid for capturing or killing an outlaw, fugitive, or the like.

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head money British  

noun

1. a reward paid for the capture or slaying of a fugitive, outlaw, etc

2. an archaic term for poll tax

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Etymology

Origin of head money

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

“I’ve been troubling myself over bearskins, and I’ll ask you for seven shillings head money on twenty-nine.”

From The Literary World Seventh Reader by Metcalf, John Calvin

"You don't suppose it was a fellow trying to collect that head money on me, do you?"

From Grace Harlowe's Overland Riders Among the Kentucky Mountaineers by Flower, Jessie Graham [pseud.]