How Do You Spell BUTLERAGE?

Pronunciation: [bˈʌtə͡lɹɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

Butlerage, pronounced /ˈbʌtlərɪdʒ/ is a term commonly used in the shipping industry. It refers to a fee paid to the ship's butler for services rendered on-board. The word is spelled with a "u" instead of an "o" because it is derived from the job title "butler" rather than the word "bottle," which is often associated with the term. The suffix "-age" indicates a fee or charge, similar to other words like "tollage" or "wharfage." Overall, butlerage is a unique word that showcases the specificity and history of language in different industries.

BUTLERAGE Meaning and Definition

1. Butlerage is a term that refers to a specific tax or fee that was historically imposed on wines and other goods imported into England during the medieval and early modern periods. It was typically collected by the king or his agents in order to generate revenue for the royal household. The term "butlerage" is derived from the medieval office of the butler, who was responsible for overseeing the storage and distribution of wine within the royal household.

   The imposition of butlerage involved a levy or duty on wine brought into the country, often calculated on the volume or value of the goods. The tax was usually collected at the port of entry, such as London or other major trading ports. The purpose of butlerage was to ensure that the crown received a portion of the profits from imported wines and other goods, helping to fund the royal activities, including the maintenance of the court and the financing of military campaigns.

   Over time, as international trade and taxation practices evolved, the collection of butlerage declined and eventually ceased to exist. However, the historical significance of butlerage lies in its role as an early form of taxation on imports, contributing to the development of the English customs system and the establishment of the royal authority in trade affairs.

2. A duty on wine.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BUTLERAGE

• vutlerage
• nutlerage
• hutlerage
• gutlerage
• bytlerage
• bhtlerage
• bjtlerage
• bitlerage
• b8tlerage
• b7tlerage
• burlerage
• buflerage
• buglerage
• buylerage
• bu6lerage
• bu5lerage
• butkerage
• butperage
• butoerage

Etymology of BUTLERAGE

The word "Butlerage" originates from Middle English and has its roots in Old French. It is derived from the Old French word "botel" which means "bottle" or "cask". In medieval times, the term "boteler" referred to a person who was in charge of the wine cellar and serving wine, also known as a butler. Over time, the term "butlerage" came to signify the fee charged for the service of a butler or for the right to import wine. It eventually became a legal term for the duty imposed on importing wines or other alcoholic beverages.

Plural form of BUTLERAGE is BUTLERAGES