n. & v.
n. 1 a payment made to a professional person or to a professional or public body in exchange for advice or services. 2 money paid as part of a special transaction, for a privilege, admission to a society, etc. (enrolment fee). 3 (in pl.) money regularly paid (esp. to a school) for continuing services. 4 Law an inherited estate, unlimited (fee simple) or limited (fee tail) as to the category of heir. 5 hist. a fief; a feudal benefice.
v.tr. (fee'd or feed) 1 pay a fee to. 2 engage for a fee.
[ ME f. AF, = OF feu, fieu, etc. f. med.L feodum, feudum, perh. f. Frank.: cf. FEUD(2), FIEF ]