E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Blood Money.
Money paid to a person for giving such evidence as shall lead to the conviction of another; money paid to the next of km to induce him to forego his “right” of seeking blood for blood; money paid to a person for betraying another, as Judas was paid blood-money for showing the band the place where Jesus might be found.
