Lockbox

/ˈlɑkbɑks/ noun

Definition

A secure container or compartment with a lock used to store valuable items or important documents safely.

Etymology

Compound of 'lock' (Old English 'loc', a fastening mechanism) and 'box' (from Old Norse 'bōksi'). The term emerged in the 19th century as safes and secure storage became common in banking and business.

Kelly Says

Lockboxes were crucial in early American banking—before electronic systems, banks would rent them to customers who needed to protect deeds, jewelry, and stock certificates from theft and fire.

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