What does "poundage" mean?

Poundage: A subsidy of twelve pence in the pound, formerly granted to the crown on all goods exported or imported, and if by aliens, more. [Eng.] Blackstone.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Law) The sum allowed to a sheriff or other officer upon the amount realized by an execution; -- estimated in England, and formerly in the United States, at so much of the pound. Burrill. Bouvier.
  2. 3.To collect, as poundage; to assess, or rate, by poundage. [R.]
  3. 4.Confinement of cattle, or other animals, in a public pound.
  4. 5.A charge paid for the release of impounded cattle.

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