Harbourage

/ˈhɑɹbərɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

A place providing shelter and protection, especially for ships, or the act of providing such shelter.

Etymology

From 'harbor' plus '-age' suffix (indicating a place or action), Middle English combination that became standardized in maritime law and literature.

Kelly Says

Before ships had insurance companies, 'harbourage' was literally the difference between life and death during storms—and the word's legal usage created entire treaties about who owned which harbors and who could claim shelter.

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