scutage

[ skyoo-tij ]

noun

1. (in the feudal system) a payment exacted by a lord in lieu of military service due to him by the holder of a fee.

scutage

/ ˈskjuːtɪdʒ /

noun

1. (in feudal society) a payment sometimes exacted by a lord from his vassal in lieu of military service

Word History and Origins

Origin of scutage¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word scūtāgium. See scutum, -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of scutage¹

C15: from Medieval Latin scūtāgium, literally: shield dues, from Latin scūtum a shield

Example Sentences

And, as currency-based economies became more common and knights were often allowed to pay a fee known as scutage in order to get out of time for which they were bound to serve fighting, lords could afford to do so.

From Time

Had they come, as representatives of the feudal overlord—the Landlord—ao as to make an assessment for the next scutage?

From Literature

Scutage levied by John had been excessively heavy.

From Project Gutenberg

And for holding the general council of the kingdom concerning the assessment of aids, except in the three cases aforesaid, and for the assessing of scutage, we shall cause to be summoned the archbishops, bishops, abbots, earls, and greater barons of the realm, singly by our letters.

From Project Gutenberg

A further weakening of baronial power was also effected by the destruction of the castles which the lawlessness of Stephen’s tenure of the sovereignty had permitted; while the introduction of scutage made the king in some measure independent of the feudal forces by enabling him to call in the support of mercenary troops.

From Project Gutenberg