Escrow

"Like 'scroll' and 'scrawl,' the word 'escrow' is derived from the Norman-French word for a writing or a written instrument. It has come in practice to refer to a security device: one or both parties to a transaction deposit property or an instrument with a third party until some condition has occurred. The property or instrument may be referred to as 'the escrow'; the delivery is said to be 'in escrow.'" Restatement (Second) of Contracts 103 cmt. a (1981).

Es"crow (?), n. [OF. escroe, escroue, a roll of writings, bond. See Scroll.] Law

A deed, bond, or other written engagement, delivered to a third person, to be held by him till some act is done or some condition is performed, and then to be by him delivered to the grantee.

Blackstone.

© Webster 1913.