Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Arles \Arles\, n. pl. [Cf. F. arrhes, Scot. airles. Cf. {Earles
   penny}.]
   An earnest; earnest money; money paid to bind a bargain.
   [Scot.]

   {Arles penny}, earnest money given to servants. --Kersey.