métayage

[ met-uh-yahzh, mey-tuh- ]

noun

1. the system of agriculture based on the use of métayers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of métayage¹

From French, dating back to 1875–80; métayer, -age

Example Sentences

And the system of métayage does at least give the tenant the tranquillizing assurance that he will reach the end of the year without experiencing all the horrors of enforced idleness to which the ordinary day or wage laborers are condemned in both city and country.

From Project Gutenberg

The same Darwinian and economic law applies to métayage, which is also evidently destined to the same fate as handicrafts.

From Project Gutenberg

And it does not occur to them that if métayage, which was the rule, has become a less and less frequent exception, this must be the necessary result of natural causes.

From Project Gutenberg

This modified system of métayage or half profits is common here, and certainly affords a stepping-stone to better things.

From Project Gutenberg

The system of métayage, or half- profits, is not in force.

From Project Gutenberg