imprest
1 Americannoun
verb
verb
noun
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a fund of cash from which a department or other unit pays incidental expenses, topped up periodically from central funds
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an advance from government funds for the performance of some public business or service
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(formerly) an advance payment of wages to a sailor or soldier
Etymology
Origin of imprest
First recorded in 1560–70; probably noun use of obsolete verb imprest “to advance money to,” from Italian imprestare, from Medieval Latin imprestāre “to lend,” from Latin im- prefix + praestāre “to tender, offer, present”; influenced in sense by praes, stem praed- “guarantor, one acting as surety”; see im- 1, pre-; see origin at stand
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nicholas.—We have disposed of our brother, his Prussian Majesty, who appeared to be imprest by the apprehension that a portion of his dominions was in jeopardy.
From The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 1, August, 1851 by Various
What distils Immediate thence, no end of being knows; Bearing its seal immutably imprest.
From The World's Best Poetry, Volume 4 The Higher Life by Bliss Carman
Allowing for the changes produced by time, I think sufficient analogy may be found between the ancient and modern uses of the words "imprest" and "debenture."
From Notes and Queries, Number 37, July 13, 1850 by Various
While pity prompts the rising sigh, With awful power imprest; May this dread truth, "I too must die," Sink deep in every breast.
From Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason together with the Ceremony of Installation, Laying Corner Stones, Dedications, Masonic Burial, Etc. by George Thornburgh
A heart where dread was never so imprest To hide the thought that might the truth advance; In neither fortune lost, nor yet represt, To swell in wealth, or yield unto mischance.
From Six Centuries of English Poetry Tennyson to Chaucer by James Baldwin
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