Pronunciation: [ʃˈɛvɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
Chevage is a medieval term used to describe a fee paid by a villein or serf for the right to live on the lord's land. The word is pronounced /ˈʃɛvɪdʒ/ and is spelled with a "ch" sound followed by an "e" and "v" sound. The "age" at the end is pronounced with a soft "j" sound, as in the word "garage." This spelling is representative of the word's Old French origins, where "ch" and "v" were commonly used together.
Chevage refers to a historical term that was commonly used in medieval England during the feudal system. It denotes a sum of money or a fee paid by a serf or villein to their lord in exchange for the privilege of being able to live outside the manor or estate on which they were legally bound. Typically, chevage was an annual payment made by the serf in order to obtain the lord's permission to work on plots of land or farms that were not directly owned by the estate.
The payment of chevage allowed the serf to seek employment and earn a livelihood away from their own landholding, providing them with added economic opportunities. In some cases, it also granted them certain legal protections, such as the right to engage in trade or artisanal work without facing excessive taxation or penalties. The amount of chevage owed by a serf could vary depending on the region, the specific manor, or the social status of the individual.
Chevage was often perceived as a burden by the serfs, as it represented an additional expense that they had to account for in their already limited financial resources. However, it also served as a means by which the lords could exert control over their serfs and maintain some level of authority over their economic activities. Over time, chevage gradually waned in importance as the feudal system saw changes and eventually declined.
The word "chevage" originates from the Old French term "chever", which means "to check" or "to survey". The word was used in medieval times to refer to a fee collected by someone in exchange for granting permission to another individual or group to pass through their land or jurisdiction. Over time, "chever" evolved into "chevage" in Middle English, still retaining its original meaning of a fee or toll.
