petturage

Petturage is a term sometimes used in historical contexts, particularly in relation to maritime law and custom, to describe a specific type of payment or fee. While not a universally recognized or precisely defined legal term in modern usage, it generally refers to a payment made to a ship's owner or master for the transportation and care of livestock, such as sheep, cattle, or horses, during a sea voyage. This payment would compensate for the space occupied by the animals, the provisions needed for their sustenance, and the potential risks involved in their transport.

The term likely derives from "pelt" or "pettus," referring to animal skins, suggesting a connection to livestock. In some historical maritime trade agreements or port regulations, specific rates or conditions for petturage might have been outlined. These payments were distinct from the freight charges for cargo or passengers. Ensuring the well-being of livestock during voyages was crucial for preserving their value, and petturage was a mechanism to cover the associated costs and responsibilities of the ship's operator. The practice reflects the historical importance of animal transport in trade and subsistence.