head money

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.

head money

noun

1. a reward paid for the capture or slaying of a fugitive, outlaw, etc
2. an archaic term for poll tax

Word History and Origins

Origin of head money¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

Dutch historian Ad van Liempt’s landmark book, “Hitler’s Bounty Hunters,” revealed a network of Dutch privateer “Jew hunters” who were paid “head money” for each person they delivered to the police.

From New York Times

Dutch historian Ad van Liempt’s landmark book, “Hitler’s Bounty Hunters,” revealed a network of Dutch privateer “Jew hunters” who were paid “head money” for each person they delivered to the police.

From New York Times

All these thoughts collided in my head: Money was running out.

From Literature

The former president of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf confirmed to me two years ago, during an interview in Dubai for a book project, that “head money” had been paid for each foreigner caught in parts of Pakistan known as “hotspots for al-Qaeda and Taliban.”

From Newsweek

The book is entitled “Kopf Geld Jagd,” which means “Head Money Hunt,” a play on the German term for “bounty hunt.”

From New York Times