arles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicArchaic, Historical, Regional (Scottish/Northern English Law)
Quick answer
What does “arles” mean?
An earnest or deposit given to confirm a contract or bargain, especially in hiring.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An earnest or deposit given to confirm a contract or bargain, especially in hiring.
Historically, a token sum of money given to bind an agreement, now largely obsolete and found in historical or regional contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is known as a historical Scottish/Northern term. In American English, it is virtually unknown, with terms like 'earnest money' or 'deposit' used instead.
Connotations
Connotes historical, rural, or traditional binding agreements. May evoke imagery of hiring fairs or handshake deals sealed with a coin.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. Its use is almost exclusively limited to historical novels, academic legal history, or regional folk studies.
Grammar
How to Use “arles” in a Sentence
[Subject] paid arles to [recipient] to secure the position.[Recipient] took arles from [giver] as a pledge.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arles” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The farmhand was given a shilling as arles at the hiring fair.
- The arles was forfeited when he failed to appear for work.
American English
- In the historical reenactment, the merchant offered arles to seal the bargain.
- The concept of arles is discussed in colonial contract history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business.
Academic
Used in historical or legal studies discussing old contract law.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
May appear in historical analyses of employment or tenant farming.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arles”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arles”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arles”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to arles someone'). It is primarily a noun.
- Using it in a modern context.
- Misspelling as 'earls' (the nobility).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term. You will encounter it only in historical texts, legal history, or regional folklore.
An 'arles' was specifically a token sum (often just a penny) symbolic of the agreement, not a substantial financial security. A modern deposit is usually a significant fraction of the total cost held against performance or potential damage.
While extremely rare, historical records sometimes use 'to arles' meaning to bind by giving or taking arles. In modern usage, it is treated exclusively as a noun.
No, it is not etymologically related. The English legal term 'arles' derives from Old French 'erres' (earnest money), likely of Germanic origin, whereas the city's name comes from Latin 'Arelate'.
An earnest or deposit given to confirm a contract or bargain, especially in hiring.
Arles is usually archaic, historical, regional (scottish/northern english law) in register.
Arles: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑrlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To take the arles penny (to accept a job offer).”
- “Arles-given (bound by a preliminary agreement).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ARLES sounds like 'EARLS' who might have sealed deals with a coin. The 'ARLES' was the coin that 'EARLS' the deal.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A BOND (The physical token represents the intangible obligation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'arles' most accurately be used?