The process of preparing and sending invoices for payment. In entertainment, refers to the prominence of an actor's name in credits or advertising.
From 'bill' meaning 'written statement of charges', which comes from Medieval Latin 'bulla' (seal, document). The entertainment sense developed from the practice of posting bills (posters) advertising shows, where name placement indicated importance.
The phrase 'top billing' comes from old theater posters where the most important actor's name was literally printed at the top of the bill! This physical hierarchy on paper created our modern understanding of status and prominence in any field.
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