metage

Metage, mēt′āj, n. measurement of coal: price of measurement.

The Kentish hoymen, p. 168distinguishable by their sailors’ jackets, have stands free of expense, and pay less for metage and dues than others, and the Essex dealers enjoy some privileges; in both cases said to be in consideration of the men of Kent and Essex having continued to supply the city when it was ravaged by the plague. 

The Sword, the Cap, the Mace, the Chain, Regalia of the Civic Crown, Disgorged by that enormous drain, Tangled and hitched with robe and gown, With acts, and deeds, and charter-scrolls Of fees and metage, dues and tolls On corn, fruit, oysters, salt, and coals, Came rolling, rumbling, tumbling down.

A committee was at the same time appointed to manage and let to farm to the best advantage for the City a number of offices, including those of garbling, package and scavage, metage of grain, coal, salt and fruit, as well as all fines, issues, amerciaments and estreated recognisances under the greenwax.

King's dues for Orphans: coals for home consumption, or for exportation, 2s. 6d. per ton; timber for home consumption 3l. per 1000 square feet, ditto for exportation 4l. per ditto; metage per ton on coals 2s.; measure of timber per 1000 feet 2s.