Herbergage

/ˈhɜːrbərdʒ/ noun

Definition

The act of providing lodging or shelter, or the charge or fee paid for such accommodation.

Etymology

From Middle French 'herbergement,' formed from 'herberge' (shelter) plus the suffix '-age.' Originally referred to medieval hospitality customs and the payments owed to hosts.

Kelly Says

In medieval times, herbergage fees helped support waystations and inns along trade routes—this word captures a lost economic system where hospitality was a direct commodity you could tax.

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