earnest money

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

Origin of earnest money

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