Hallage

/ˈhæl.ɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

A medieval toll or tax paid for the right to sell goods in a hall or market in a town; a fee for using market facilities.

Etymology

From Old English 'hall' plus the suffix '-age' (a fee or tax), referring to charges collected for use of the town's market hall or assembly building.

Kelly Says

Medieval town officials used hallage taxes to fund public buildings and maintain markets—it's essentially what we'd call a 'stall fee' today, but it funded entire cities in medieval England.

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