A fine (erroneously explained by antiquaries as a royal imposition or aid).

An aid, a contribution or collection in aid.

A levy or subsidy paid to the Crown to defray military or other extraordinary expenses. Now chiefly historical.

English History. A tax levied on imports and exports, the income from which was granted by parliament to the sovereign to meet particular needs; a…

A financial contribution made or levied to provide assistance, esp. to a lord, sovereign, etc.; a subsidy. Cf. subsidy, n. 2, 3a.

An advance of money; a loan; esp. one made to a monarch in an emergency; a forced loan; a bequest, gift, or grant. Also figurative.

National finance. A contribution of money, formerly often a forced one, from private individuals or public bodies, towards the expenses of the…

An extraordinary tax levied by the state; the payment of this tax. Frequently in France, or in French contexts. Now historical.

English History. A forced loan or contribution levied, without legal authority, by the kings of England on their subjects. First so called in 1473…

Money payable as a contribution to a government loan. Obsolete.

A free gift; a gratuity, reward; esp. Scottish a grant or contribution of money made to the sovereign. Obsolete. (Cf. benevolence, n.)

An advance of money, a loan; esp. to the monarch in an emergency. Cf. prest, n. 2. Obsolete.

money derived from a subsidy.

Sarcastically suggested as a more appropriate term for: benevolence (benevolence, n. 4). Obsolete.

A pecuniary aid, subsidy. Obsolete.

A subsidy or tax; a gift to the monarch. Cf. oblata, n.1 Obsolete (in later use historical).