How Do You Spell SCUTAGE?

Pronunciation: [skjˈuːtɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The word "Scutage" is spelled with a silent "c" at the beginning, which is pronounced as "sk". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /skjutɪdʒ/, where the "s" and "k" sounds blend together before the primary stress falls on the "u" sound. The "t" sound follows with a short "i" vowel, and the word concludes with a soft "j" sound, indicating the final "g" is silent. Scutage is a historic term referring to a payment made instead of military service in medieval times.

SCUTAGE Meaning and Definition

1. Scutage is a term used in medieval Europe to describe a form of tax or payment that was imposed on vassals in lieu of military service to their lord. It was particularly prevalent during the 12th and 13th centuries and was an alternative option to serving in the feudal lord's military campaigns or providing troops for the lord's defense.

   The word "scutage" is derived from the Latin word "scutum," which means shield. This reflects the purpose of the payment, as it was originally intended to fund the acquisition and maintenance of shields and other military equipment. Over time, the term "scutage" came to encompass a broader range of financial contributions made by vassals to their feudal lords and began to be used interchangeably with terms such as "shield-money."

   When scutage was imposed, the vassals would pay a certain amount of money to their lord to be exempted from participating in military campaigns. The amount of scutage could vary according to the specific circumstances, such as the number of knights owed or the duration of the campaign. In some cases, scutage was also extended to include exemptions from specific tasks or duties related to military service.

   While scutage provided vassals with a convenient way to avoid the risks and obligations of military service, it also allowed feudal lords to obtain the necessary funds to hire professional soldiers or mercenaries. This shift towards a monetary system had far-reaching consequences for the feudal structure and marked a transition towards a more centralized and professional military establishment.

2. In anc. feudal law, a tax levied upon those who held lands by knight-service, or for personal service due by a tenant to his superior-see escuage.

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

Common Misspellings for SCUTAGE

• scugage
• scutahe
• scutaye
• scutate
• Scudage
• Scutawe

Etymology of SCUTAGE

The word "Scutage" has its roots in medieval Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "scutum", which means shield. In medieval times, scutage referred to a payment or tax that replaced military service, where a knight could pay money instead of fighting in battles. The term developed in the 12th century, during the period of feudalism, and was mainly used in England. Over time, it came to be associated with the specific payment made by a knight in exchange for being exempted from military duty.

Plural form of SCUTAGE is SCUTAGES