Prest money, money formerly paid to men when they enlisted into the
British service; -- so called because it bound those that received it
to be ready for service when called upon.
Prest, n. [OF. prest, F. prÍt, fr. OF. prester to lend, F. prÍter, fr.
L. praestare to stand before, to become surety for, to fulfill, offer,
supply; prae before + stare to stand. See Pre-, and Stand, and cf.
Press to force into service.] 1. Ready money; a loan of money. [Obs.]
Requiring of the city a prest of six thousand marks.
Bacon.
2. (Law) A duty in money formerly paid by the sheriff on his account in
the exchequer, or for money left or remaining in his hands. Cowell.