EARNEST (ARRILE), something given to bind a bargain; generally a small sum of money. By the civil law, he who recedes from his bargain loses his earnest; and if the person who received the earnest resiles, he must return the earnest double. But with us, the person who gives it is in strictness obliged to abide by his bargain; and in case he decline it, he is not discharged upon forfeiting his earnest, but may be sued for the whole money stipulated.