Burgage

/ˈbɜɹɡɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

A medieval form of land tenure in towns where a burgess (town dweller) held property in exchange for paying rent and performing services.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman burgage, from burg 'town' plus -age suffix. This feudal term emerged in medieval England to describe urban property rights, distinct from rural feudal tenure.

Kelly Says

Burgage tenure was the original urban property system—it let townspeople own property with less strict obligations than peasants owed to lords, which is partly why medieval towns became centers of freedom and commerce.

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