Angary

/ˈæŋɡəri/ noun

Definition

In international law, the right of a belligerent state to requisition, commandeer, or use the property or vessels of neutral countries in case of military necessity or emergency.

Etymology

From the Greek 'angareia' (forced service) through medieval legal terminology. The term evolved from the Ottoman administrative practice into a formal principle of international maritime law.

Kelly Says

Angary created huge conflicts during world wars—if your country was neutral and the fighting nation seized your ship, you were stuck with little legal recourse, which is why modern law tries to protect neutral shipping.

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