Pronunciation: prĕst
imp. & p. 1. imp. & p. p. of Press.
a. 1. Ready; prompt; prepared.
All prest to such battle he was.
- R. of Gloucester.
2. Neat; tidy; proper.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.
n. 1. Ready money; a loan of money.
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.
v. t. 1. To give as a loan; to lend.
Sums of money . . . prested out in loan.
