Gateage

/ˈɡeɪtɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

A historical toll or fee charged for passing through a gate, or the right to collect such tolls.

Etymology

From gate plus -age suffix (from Old French -age). Similar to tollage and portage, these words describe feudal and medieval fees. Common in medieval England and Europe for access rights.

Kelly Says

Medieval gateage fees were a major revenue source for towns and lords—essentially, every movement of goods was taxed, creating a bizarre economic system where merchants spent significant resources just getting from place to place.

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