Definition of "head-money" [head-money]

• A capitationtax; a tax of so much per head. (noun)
• A reward by the head or number for persons captured in war, especially at sea; also, a reward for the production of the head of an outlaw or enemy. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• ""This is the first instance in Roman history of head-money being offered and paid, but it was not the last" (Long)."
• "Sir James, however, was soon after deprived of the governorship of Labuan, and the head-money was abolished."
• "So large was the number of natives, pirates and others, slain in these expeditions, that the "head-money" awarded by the British government to those who had taken part in them amounted to no less than"