Etymology Prefix form of prest, perhaps after Italian imprestare, or perhaps from a misunderstanding of the phrase in prest.
1
An advance of funds, especially to a government service or employee.
Calling on Lacon at the Cabinet Office to deliver the Circus's monthly imprest account for his inspection, he had been astonished to see Sam emerging from his private office, joking easily with Lacon and Saul Enderby of the Foreign Office.1977, John Le Carré, The Honourable Schoolboy, Folio Society, published 2010, page 240:
imprest
verb
Etymology Prefix form of prest, perhaps after Italian imprestare, or perhaps from a misunderstanding of the phrase in prest.
1
To advance funds on loan.
February 23 1780, Edmund Burke, Establism Bill it shall not be lawful to imprest or issue to the paymaster general of his majesty's land forces