I have never used it but i see it is on cli_wallet basically

Also there is no documentation in the steem developpers page, and i have never seen them in the python or JS libraries.

I think those operataions are either above the understanding of the kids coding for steem or are left overs from when they stripped down the BITShares code to make steem... but the commands seem to be there...

Let try to get access to a cli_wallet in one of the shitcoin blockchains to test them with useless coins...

A wants to buy Stuff from C

A does not trust C
C does not trust A

A trust B
C trust B

So they arrange that B who is trusted by both holds the funds

A sends the funds to C
B confirm that he sent the Stuff
A confirms received Stuff from B
C releases the funds to B

escrow_dispute( from,  to,  agent,  who,  escrow_id,  broadcast)

escrow_release( from,  to,  agent,  who,  receiver,  escrow_id, asset sbd_amount, asset steem_amount,  broadcast)
 
escrow_transfer( from,  to,  agent,  escrow_id, asset sbd_amount, asset steem_amount, asset fee, time_point_sec ratification_deadline, time_point_sec escrow_expiration,  json_meta,  broadcast)