Feudal Law. [a. OF. culvertage, f. culvert (see CULVERT a.) + -AGE. Cf. med.L. culvertagium in Du Cange.] The position of a culvert, villainage; forfeiture and degradation to the position of a villain or serf.
1613–8. Daniel, Coll. Hist. Eng. (1626), 116. King John … summoning likewise all Earles, Barons … to defend him … vnder paine of Culuertage, and perpetuall seruitude.
1700. Tyrrell, Hist. Eng., II. 753. The Reproach of Culvertage … seems to have been then not only a Penalty, but also a Term of reproach for Cowardize.
1757. Burke, Abridgm. Eng. Hist., Wks. X. 519. The king of France … summoned all his vassals, under the penalty of felony, and the opprobrious name of Culvertage … to attend in this expedition.
1823–6. Lingard, Hist. Eng. (ed. 4), III. 31, note. Culvertage … The culprit was liable by law to the forfeiture of all property, and perpetual servitude.
