métayer

American  

[met-uh-yey, mey-tuh-] / ˌmɛt əˈyeɪ, ˌmeɪ tə- /

noun

1. a person who works the land using tools, seed, etc., furnished by the landlord and who receives a share of the harvest in compensation.

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Etymology

Origin of métayer

1770–80; < French < Medieval Latin medietārius, equivalent to mediet ( ās ) ( see moiety) + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

But it was the interest of both to work well together, and it was the duty of the landlord to assist the métayer as much as possible, especially when times were hard.

From Two Summers in Guyenne by Barker, Edward Harrison

Every one knows the wretchedness of it in Ireland, and that there are numerous instances in Italy of the complete success of the métayer plan.

From How to Observe Morals and Manners by Martineau, Harriet

The greater portion was let to farmers, either at a fixed rent, or on the métayer system, by which the landlord was paid by a share of the crops.

From The Eve of the French Revolution by Lowell, Edward J. (Edward Jackson)

Farms were usually held on a sort of métayer system, half the produce going to the landlord as rent.

From Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations by Sayce, A. H. (Archibald Henry)

Thanks to the métayer land-tenure, man’s heart, as well as his strength, is given to the ground, with his hope and his honour. 

From The Rhythm of Life by Meynell, Alice Christiana Thompson