Escrow
Etymology
From Old French escroue, "a scrap or roll of parchment," the same root that gives us "scroll." It first named a deed held by a third person and handed over only once a condition was fulfilled. The meaning widened from the parchment itself to the whole arrangement of holding anything in trust until terms are satisfied.
noun · /ESS-kroh/
Money, property, or a document held by a neutral third party until the conditions of a deal are met.
What it names
The account your house deposit sits in between offer and closing, safe from both buyer and seller until the sale actually completes.
Example
The buyer’s funds stayed in escrow until the inspection cleared and the title was confirmed.
Related idea
An escrow agent simply holds assets neutrally until conditions are met; a fiduciary carries a broader ongoing duty to act in another’s best interest.