piece rate

noun

compensation based on a worker's quantitative output or production, usually an agreed sum per article of work turned out.

Origin of piece rate

First recorded in 1890–95

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for piece rate

Historical Examples of piece rate

The lads thought they had a grievance under the piece-rate system.
From Workhouse to Westminster
George Haw
Another time a piece-rate girl allowed herself to be overpaid two dollars and said nothing about it.
Working With the Working Woman
Cornelia Stratton Parker
In this way the piece-rate principle became firmly established alongside of the hourly basis.
The Railroad Problem
Edward Hungerford
All of this work can be handled on a piece-rate basis, and most large concerns find this the most economical basis.
Cyclopedia of Commerce, Accountancy, Business Administration, v. 1
Various
In some cases, however, a proportion of their piece-rate earning is given in addition.
Women in the Printing Trades.
Various

British Dictionary definitions for piece rate

piece rate

noun

a fixed rate paid according to the quantity produced

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012