(Now United States regional) a sum of money pledged as a guarantee of full payment for something; (now especially) an initial payment given as a sign that the buyer is in earnest when purchasing real estate.
Origin
Mid 17th century.
Definition of hand money in US English:
hand money
noun
(Now United States regional) a sum of money pledged as a guarantee of full payment for something; (now especially) an initial payment given as a sign that the buyer is in earnest when purchasing real estate.