Faldage

/ˈfɔːldɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

A feudal right allowing a lord to use peasants' land for sheep grazing in exchange for fertilizing it with manure.

Etymology

From Middle English faldage, derived from Old English falod or fold (animal pen). The -age suffix denotes a right or system. This term reflects medieval agricultural economics where fold rights were valuable property privileges.

Kelly Says

Medieval landlords literally had a 'poop tax'—they could graze their sheep on farmers' fields, and the sheep manure was considered payment enough because it fertilized the soil!

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