Burghalpenny

/ˌbɜːɡəlˈpɛni/ noun

Definition

A tax or duty payment required from inhabitants of a burgh, historically collected for town maintenance or defense.

Etymology

Compound of 'burghal' (relating to a burgh) and 'penny' (the coin/tax unit), describing a monetary obligation tied to burgh citizenship.

Kelly Says

A burghalpenny was basically the city tax of the medieval world—townspeople paid it so the town could repair walls, maintain markets, and keep the place running.

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