Definition of "earnests" [earnests]

• Plural form of earnest. (noun)

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• "But the servants laying hold upon him, and informing him really that the king had bestowed on him the house and furniture of a rich man lately deceased, and that these were but the first-fruits or earnests of greater riches and possessions that were to come, he was persuaded at last with much difficulty to believe them."
• "And this difference must be admitted if we are obliged to the precise signification and common use of pledges and earnests among men, which we must inquire into."
• "He has avowed his purpose of trampling on the usages of civilized warfare, and given earnests of it in the plunder and wanton destruction of private property."