Poundage

In practice. The amount allowed to the sheriff, or other officer, for commissions on the money made by virtue of an execution. This allowance varies in different states, and to different officers. POUR COMPTE DE QUI IL APPARtient (Fr.) For account of whom it may concern. Emerig. Tr. des Assur. c. 11, sec. 4, § 3. A phrase in insurance law. POUR SEISIR TERRES (Law Pr. for seizing the lands).

In old practice. A writ by which the king seized the land which the wife of a tenant in capite, deceased, had for her dower, if she married without his leave. Cowell.

The amount allowed to the sheriff, or other officer, for commissions on the money made by virtue of an execution. This allowance varies in different states and to different officers.

In practice. An allowance to the sheriff of so much in the pound upon the amount levied under an execution. Bowe v. Campbell, 2 Civ. Proc. R. (N. Y.) 234. The money which an owner of animals impounded must pay to obtain their release.

In old English law. A subsidy to the value of twelve pence in the pound, granted to the king, of all manner of merchandise of every merchant, as well denizen as alien, either exported or imported. Cowell.

An allowance made the sheriff for his services in a levy.

1. A charge allowed to be made by the sheriff, for his expenses and services in collecting money on execution, and which he may deduct from the sum obtained. Whether it is called poundage because, in English practice, it was a percentage of so much on each pound sterling which the officer had collected, or because it was a charge for keeping the goods taken in execution in the pound, or place of custody of goods The intimations in the books suggest both origins. Originally, at common law, the sheriff was entitled to no allowance for executing writs, his office being regarded solely as an honorary one, and men of wealth and substance were usually elected to fill this post. In the progress of society, however, and on the growth of commerce, the duties of a sheriff being attended with considerable expense, and the office thereby becoming extremely onerous, different acts of parliament entitled them to certain fees and dues, one of which is poundage. Dalt. Sheriff. 2. The money which an owner of animals impounded must pay to obtain their release. 3. In old English law, a subsidy to the value of twelve-pence in the pound, granted to the king, of all merchandise exported or imported.