Houderkost

Houderkost is a Dutch term that appears sporadically in archival and historical materials. It is not part of standard Dutch legal vocabulary and there is no widely accepted, formal definition. Because it lacks official usage, its precise meaning tends to depend on the context in which it is used.

Etymology and interpretation. The word is composed of houden (to hold, to keep) and kost (cost). In sources where it occurs, holder costs may refer to charges associated with a custodian, guardian, or administrator of a person or property. Depending on the document, it can denote maintenance, management fees, or living expenses covered by or for a holder.

Usage and context. The term is largely obsolete in modern Dutch. Modern equivalents for related ideas include kost en inwoning (board and lodging) or onderhoudskosten (maintenance costs). Because holderkost is not standardized, researchers should examine surrounding text to determine whether it concerns custodial duties, property management, or dependent support, and which party bears the expense.

See also. Kost en inwoning; onderhoudskosten; custodianship; guardianship; fiduciary duties.

References. There are no broadly cited, authoritative definitions of hou derkost in contemporary dictionaries or legal code. Instances appear in historical records or archival notes, where interpretation depends on the specific document and its period.