Legal Definitions - droit de maitrise

Droit de maitrise

Droit de maitrise is a historical French law term that refers to a payment that an apprentice who has become a master worker must make to the Crown. This payment is a right of mastership.

For example, if a carpenter's apprentice completed their training and became a master carpenter, they would have to pay the Crown a droit de maitrise. This payment was required in many trades, including blacksmithing, weaving, and shoemaking.

Another example is a tailor's apprentice who becomes a master tailor. They would also have to pay the Crown a droit de maitrise. This payment was a way for the Crown to collect revenue from skilled workers and maintain control over the trades.

These examples illustrate how droit de maitrise was a required payment for apprentices who became master workers in various trades. It was a way for the Crown to benefit financially from the skills and expertise of these workers.