Commonable

/ˈkɒmənəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being used in common with others; suitable for shared use, especially of land or pasture.

Etymology

From common plus -able suffix. Derives from Latin communis (shared, common). Medieval English created this term for feudal property rights.

Kelly Says

In medieval villages, 'commonable land' was pasture that any villager could graze animals on—it was the original 'tragedy of the commons' problem that economists still discuss today!

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