piscary

[ pis-kuh-ree ]

noun

, plural pis·ca·ries.

1. Law. the right or privilege of fishing in particular waters.
2. a place for fishing.

piscary

/ ˈpɪskərɪ /

noun

1. a place where fishing takes place
2. the right to fish in certain waters

Word History and Origins

Origin of piscary¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Medieval Latin piscāria, neuter plural (fishing rights) and feminine singular (fishing place) of Latin piscārius of fishing or fish. See pisci-, -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of piscary¹

C15: from Latin piscārius fishing, from piscis a fish

Example Sentences

A common of piscary, or “a right to fish in common with certain other persons in a particular stream,” is usually found in manors, the commoners of which may have the right to enjoy it to an extent sufficient for the sustenance of their tenements; but they cannot, except by immemorial special prescription, exclude the lord of the manor therefrom, and have no rights over the soil itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Their rights of usufruct, grazing, pannage, estovers, turbary and piscary survived for many centuries before being terminated: first informally, later in wholesale acts of enclosure.

From The Guardian

Gloucester, Mass. Boowoo & Ubum Sirs: Before leaving there I fished the upper Menam, the regal preserve to which I had been granted piscary.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• fly-fishing