Earnest (Noun)
Meaning
Something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract.
Classification
Nouns denoting possession and transfer of possession.
Examples
- The couple exchanged rings as an earnest of their commitment to each other and their decision to get married.
- In ancient Rome, it was common for a suitor to give his beloved an earnest, such as a ring or a brooch, as a symbol of his devotion and a pledge of his intent to marry her.
- The merchant required a substantial earnest from the buyer before he would agree to finalize the deal and transfer ownership of the property.
- As an earnest of their agreement, the two business partners shook hands and handed each other a check as a deposit.
- In the Middle Ages, a lord might give his vassal an earnest, such as a grant of land or a sum of money, to secure the vassal's loyalty and military service.