1734, The True State of England, Containing the Particular Duty, Business and Salary of Every Officer, Civil and Military, in All the Publick Offices of Great Britain, page 94:
The Gentleman Porter holds his Place by Patent, has Charge of the Gate, to lock and unlock, and render the Keys to the Lieutenant. At the Entrance of a Prisoner he hath usually had a Composition Fee, viz. 30 l. of a Peer, and 5 l. of others.
1832, A Key to Both Houses of Parliament, page 173:
This is a composition fee of ten shillings, paid by the tenants to the Lord of the Manor on the marriage of each of their daughters, on account of the said Lord waiving his claim to sleep the first night with the bride.
