maritage

English

Alternative forms

• maritagium

Etymology

From Medieval Latin marītāgium. Doublet of marriage.

Noun

maritage (countable and uncountable, plural maritages) (historical, feudal law)

1. The right of the lord of the fee to dispose of the heiress, later also of the male heir, in marriage.
   • 1879, Rerum Britannicarum Medii Ævi Scriptores:

     And they may sell the wardship of the lands, and the maritages of the heirs, if they are not married, but they cannot alienate any part of the inheritance or they may offend as regards a remaindership.

2. The property bought by the couple upon their marriage under the feudal customs.
3. The fine paid by the vassal to the feudal lord for failing to follow his maritage decision.

Anagrams

• Armitage, gematria