angaria

noun

an·​gar·​ia
aŋˈga(a)rēə,
anˈ-
1
in Roman and civil law : a compulsory service exacted by the government, a lord, or the church
2
in maritime law : the forcible seizure of a ship for public service
3
in international law : angary
4
in feudal law : a troublesome or vexatious service exacted by a lord of his tenant

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek angareia, from angaros royal (Persian) courier

First Known Use

circa 1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of angaria was circa 1707

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near angaria

Cite this Entry

“Angaria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angaria. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!