Prest (?),
imp. & p. p. of Press.
© Webster 1913.
Prest, a. [OF. prest, F. pret, fr. L. praestus ready. Cf. Presto.]
1.
Ready; prompt; prepared.
[Obs.]
All prest to such battle he was.
R. of Gloucester.
2.
Neat; tidy; proper.
[Obs.]
Tusser.
Prest money, money formerly paid to men when they enlisted into the British service; -- so called because it bound those that received it to be ready for service when called upon.
© Webster 1913.
Prest, n. [OF. prest, F. pret, fr. OF. prester to lend, F. preter, fr. L. praestare to stand before, to become surety for, to fulfill, offer, supply; prae before + stare to stand. See Pre-, and Stand, and cf. Press to force into service.]
1.
Ready money; a loan of money.
[Obs.]
Requiring of the city a prest of six thousand marks.
Bacon.
2. Law
A duty in money formerly paid by the sheriff on his account in the exchequer, or for money left or remaining in his hands.
Cowell.
© Webster 1913.
Prest, v. t.
To give as a loan; to lend.
[Obs.]
Sums of money . . . prested out in loan.
E. Hall.
© Webster 1913.