lastage

noun

last·​age

-tij

plural -s

: a port duty for the privilege of loading a ship

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lestage tax levied on traders at fairs or markets, ballast of a ship, from Middle French lastage, lestage ballast of a ship, lastage, from laster to ballast (from Old Frisian hlesta to load & Middle Dutch lasten to load; akin to each other and both descended from a prehistoric denominative from the root of Old English hlæst load) + -age

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

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