messuage

[ mes-wij ]

noun

, Law.

1. a dwelling house with its adjacent buildings and the lands appropriated to the use of the household.

messuage

/ ˈmɛswɪdʒ /

noun

1. property law a dwelling house together with its outbuildings, curtilage, and the adjacent land appropriated to its use

Word History and Origins

Origin of messuage¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French, misreading ( n taken as u ) of Old French mesnage ménage ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of messuage¹

C14: from Norman French: household, perhaps through misspelling of Old French mesnage ménage

Example Sentences

This is very suggestive of a law-writer's spelling of "message" (messuage and tenement).

From Project Gutenberg

The ancient great hall of this messuage is yet standing, and pertaining to a great brewhouse for beer.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, a poor woman holds a messuage, and need do no more than carry water to the mowers.

From Project Gutenberg

He'll fancy dancers cattle, and present his lady with messuage and tenement.

From Project Gutenberg

Reginald Cobham gave his messuage in London to the enlarging thereof, in the year 1344.

From Project Gutenberg