also: みうけがね
noun
money to buy a geisha or prostitute out of bondage
Historical term for the sum paid to release a woman from indentured service in the pleasure quarters. Often used in contexts of 身請け (buying out a contract).
See also: 身請け
彼は遊女の身請け金を工面するために必死で働いた。
He worked desperately to raise the money to buy the courtesan out of her contract.
身請け金が高額だったため、なかなか自由の身になれなかった。
Because the redemption money was so high, she could not easily gain her freedom.
身請け is the act of buying out a contract; 身請け金 is the money required for that act.
Compound of 身請け (buying out a contract) + 金 (money). The term is historically associated with the Edo-period pleasure quarters.