commonage

[ kom-uh-nij ]

noun

1. the joint use of anything, especially a pasture.
2. the state of being held in common.
3. something that is so held, as land.
4. commonalty.

commonage

/ ˈkɒmənɪdʒ /

noun

1. law
   1. the use of something, esp a pasture, in common with others
   2. the right to such use
2. the state of being held in common
3. something held in common, such as land
4. See commonalty
   another word for commonalty

Word History and Origins

Origin of commonage¹

First recorded in 1600–10; common + -age

Example Sentences

The indaba began upon small matters, a recent dispute or two as to the ownership of cattle, or of land commonage, and so forth.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1663 this house was called the Goat, and enjoyed the right of commonage for two cows and one heifer upon Chelsea Heath.

From Project Gutenberg

The Abbot of Gloucester had ninety acres of land in Walmore, at eight pence an acre rent, for cultivation, but not for commonage.

From Project Gutenberg

His pony was only grazing on the town commonage hard by; he could have him brought in less than half an hour.

From Project Gutenberg

This city affords a beautiful, fashionable commonage along the quay, which surrounds the basin formed by the River Alsten.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cooperative
• kibbutz
• municipality
• village