Primage

In Mercantile Law. A duty payable to the master and mariners of a ship or vessel, — to the master for the use of his cables and ropes to discharge the goods of the merchant, to the mariners for lading and unlading in any port or haven.

Abb. Sh. 270.

A small payment to the master for his care and trouble which he is to receive for his own use, unless he has otherwise agreed with the owner.

Abb. Sh. 13th ed.

531; it is of a very ancient date and subject to authority and regulations. "In the 'Guidon,' it is called la contribution des chausses ou pot-de-vin du maitre. It is sometimes called the master's hat-money;" id. It is no longer a gratuity to the master, but an increase of the freight rate; Carr v. R. Co., 14 Fed. Rep. 421.