Recent Examples on the WebIn 1536, when Henry VIII began dissolving the Catholic monasteries, Vaughan was given twelve messuages—houses with lands and adjacent buildings.—Jamie Quatro, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'messuage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin messuagium
: a dwelling house with the adjacent buildings and curtilage and other adjoining lands used in connection with the household
Etymology
Anglo-French, probably alteration of Old French mesnage dwelling house, ultimately from Latin mansion-, mansio habitation, dwelling, from manēre to remain, sojourn, dwell
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