Cranage

/ˈkreɪnɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

A fee or charge for using a crane to load or unload cargo at a dock or port.

Etymology

From crane + -age suffix (denoting a fee or charge). The suffix -age created nouns meaning 'charge for service' (like tonnage, wharfage, portage) in medieval trade terminology.

Kelly Says

Medieval ports developed a complex fee system—cranage, wharfage, portage—each charging for a specific service, which meant merchants had to budget dozens of small costs when shipping goods, similar to hidden fees today.

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