Also 7 -idge. [f. prec. + -AGE.]
1. The action or professional service of a broker; the broker’s trade. Also attrib.
1466. Mann. & Househ. Exp., 361. Item [my master paid] for brokerage, ix. d.
1619. Jer. Dyke, Counterpoison (1620), 20. Egges of the same cockatrice, brats of the same hag, are steeple and temple brokerage.
1753. Scots Mag., Sept., 440/1. The trade of the Jews … was usury, brokerage, and jobbing.
1827. Scott, Napoleon, xxxviii. By brokerage and agiotage.
1875. Poste, Gaius, II. (ed. 2), 213. The acquisition of Obligations … by brokerage of an independent agent.
1885. Law Times Rep., LI. 694/1. In ordinary brokerage transactions.
2. The commission or per-centage paid to a broker on the transactions negotiated by him.
1622. Malynes, Anc. Law-Merch., 196. 20 pro cent. with the Alcaualla, taken for Brokeridge to sell them.
1668. Sedley, Mulberry Gard., II. ii. 31. Interest, and Broakage Are his best Instruments.
1697. Dampier, Voy. (1729), I. 508. An 18th part profit, by way of Brokerage for every Bargain.
1753. Hanway, Trav. (1762), I. V. lxxi. 323. An exorbitant brokerage of one or more per cent.
1809. R. Langford, Introd. Trade, 23. The brokerage on foreign bills bought and sold is 1-10th per cent.
1884. Manch. Exam., 28 May, 5/2. All brokerages and discounts credited to the company.
† 3. The acting as a bawd or pimp: Obs. rare.
1645. Pagitt, Heresiogr. (1665), 75. That I speak not of Brokerage, of whores, and other filthiness, too too bad.
