Legal Definitions - metayer system

The metayer system is an agricultural system where a landlord divides their land into small farms and rents them out to single families. The families pay the landlord a fixed portion, usually half, of the produce they grow, and the landlord provides the stock. This system was commonly used in parts of France, Italy, and the southern United States.

Metecorn is an archaic term that refers to a portion of corn that a lord pays a tenant for their labor. This term is no longer commonly used.

Metegavel is an archaic term that refers to a rent or tribute paid in supplies of food. This term is no longer commonly used.

Metelotage is a French term that has two meanings. In French law, it refers to the leasing of a ship. In a maritime context, it refers to a seaman's wages.

For example, if a sailor is hired to work on a ship, their metelotage would be the wages they receive for their work. This term is still used in some French-speaking countries.