prisage

noun

pri·​sage

ˈprīzij,

prēˈzäzh

variants or less commonly prise

ˈprīz,

-rēz

plural -s

1

a

: the right of the crown under old English law to take one tun of wine from every ship importing from 10 to 20 tuns and 2 tuns from every ship importing 20 or more compare butlerage

b

: wine so taken

2

: the share of merchandise taken as lawful prize at sea that belongs to the king under old English law

Word History

Etymology

prisage from Middle English prise prisage + -age; prise from Middle English, from Old French, act of taking, seizure (booty)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now