ˈmarəd.ij noun
also mar·i·ta·gi·um ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈtājēəm
( plural maritages -jə̇z ; also marita·gia -ēə)
Etymology: Medieval Latin maritagium, from Old French mariage, maritage, marriage — more at marriage
1. : the property brought to a husband by a wife according to feudal custom upon her marriage
2.
a. : the right of a feudal lord to dispose in a marriage of the heiress, minor heir, or widow of a vassal
b.
(1) : a payment made by a vassal in return for the lord's waiver of such right
(2) : a fine imposed on a vassal for his violation of such right