God's penny

noun

, Old English Law.

1. earnest money.

Word History and Origins

Origin of God's penny¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Example Sentences

The rector of Caldbeck is, or was, entitled to claim a God’s penny upon the change of tenant by death, in his manor in the lower part of the parish.

From Project Gutenberg

‘I draw you to record, lordës all;’ With that he cast him a God’s penny; Then he took to his bags of bread, And they were full of the gold so red.

From Project Gutenberg

With that he cast him a God’s penny.

From Project Gutenberg

Though "God's Penny" was still collected at the fairs and market places of Old France for the conversion of Indians at Mont Royal, the fur trade was rapidly changing the character of the place.

From Project Gutenberg

In the early part of the sixteenth century God's Penny was paid at Waterford on ships' freights; and at Youghal, in 1611, it was paid into court for the right of buying wines on board ship.

From Project Gutenberg