Burgherage

/ˈbɜːɡərɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

The status, rights, or privileges of being a burgher; citizenship in a burgh with associated legal and commercial advantages.

Etymology

From 'burgher' plus the suffix '-age' (condition, state, collection), describing the collection of rights and duties tied to town citizenship.

Kelly Says

Getting burgherage was like getting a medieval franchise license—you paid a fee and gained the right to trade, hold property, and use the town's markets without being hassled by the local lord.

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