poundage

A certain sum or rate per pound sterling; a tax, duty, or deduction of so much per pound; specifically, in English history, a duty of 12d. in the pound on exported or imported merchandise. See tonnage and poundage (under tonnage), and subsidy.

In law, an allowance to a sheriff or similar officer, computed by a percentage on the value of property seized by him or the amount of the judgment or process satisfied, as a compensation for his service.

In salt-manuf., the number of pounds of salt contained in one cubic foot of brine.

To assess or rate by poundage; collect as poundage.

The confinement of cattle in a pound.

A charge levied upon the owners of impounded cattle, both as a fine for trespass and to defray the cost of caring for the animals.

A commission of so much in a pound upon the earnings of weavers, paid in some parts of England to superintendents of weaving-plants.

The series of pounds in an abattoir in which animals can be kept until they are slaughtered.

To collect, as poundage; to assess, or rate, by poundage.

Confinement of cattle, or other animals, in a public pound.