n. (also seignorage)
1. a a profit made by issuing currency, esp. by issuing coins rated above their intrinsic value. b hist. the Crown's right to a percentage on bullion brought to a mint for coining.
2 hist. something claimed by a sovereign or feudal superior as a prerogative.
Etymology: ME f. OF seignorage, seigneurage (as SEIGNEUR)