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angaria

noun
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an·​gar·​ia | \ aŋˈga(a)rēə, anˈ- \

Definition of angaria

1 in Roman and civil law : a compulsory service exacted by the government, a lord, or the church
2 in maritime law : the forcible seizure of a ship for public service
3 in international law : angary
4 in feudal law : a troublesome or vexatious service exacted by a lord of his tenant

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First Known Use of angaria

circa 1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for angaria

Late Latin, from Greek angareia, from angaros royal (Persian) courier

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The first known use of angaria was circa 1707

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Cite this Entry

“Angaria.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angaria. Accessed 7 December 2019.

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