Query: This is driving me crazy!

[yinshu]

Dear History Nuts on my Flist: Please fill in the blank:

The portion of goods (money, foodstuffs, whatever) perpetually owed by serfs to their expectant lords is called ___________.

(I don't think the word or concept I am looking for is "tax" or "fealty", it's....Ahhh! I can't think of it. Grr...)

Comments

[indigotea]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but it sounds close:

BANALITIES: Fees which a feudal lord imposes on his serfs for the use of his mill, oven, wine press, or similar facilities. It some times includes part of a fish catch or the proceeds from a rabbit warren.

Source: http://langs.eserver.org/feudal-dictionary.txt

[arisrabkin]

My impression is that there isn't one all-encompassing term to describe this, since the medievals thought of these as separate duties. As I understand, one of the biggest duties of serfs was to work the lord's lands. I don't know a term for this, offhand.

Can you say what this is for?

[crash_mccormick]

Most general term is fees, though taxes were a separate obligation also applying but those fell more broadly and were distinct from the specific agreement or contract of serfdom that had been entered into by the serf or his ancestor.

[_lynxx_]

It may also be rents as rent was often paid in kind with goods and services by the serfs/peasants to the various landowners.

[mhaithaca]

Yup, I clicked to say "rent."

[jccohen]

Zebras! Because I'm making shit up, and words that start with Z are awesome.