Legal Definitions - ewage

Definition: Ewage (pronounced yoo-ij) is a historical toll that was paid for passage over water.

Example: In medieval times, boats and ships were the primary mode of transportation for goods and people. To use the waterways, travelers had to pay an ewage to the local authorities. For example, if a merchant wanted to transport his goods from one town to another via a river, he would have to pay an ewage to the town that controlled that stretch of the river.

Explanation: The example illustrates how ewage was a toll that was paid for water passage. It was a way for local authorities to control and profit from the use of waterways. The toll was usually based on the size of the vessel or the amount of goods being transported. Ewage was a common practice in medieval Europe and was used to fund local infrastructure and maintenance of waterways.