poundage
    n 1: a charge based on weight measured in pounds
    2: a fee charged for the recovery of impounded animals
    3: weight expressed in pounds
    4: placing private property in the custody of an officer of the
       law [syn: impoundment, impounding, internment,
       poundage]

Poundage \Pound"age\, n.
   1. A sum deducted from a pound, or a certain sum paid for
      each pound; a commission.
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   2. A subsidy of twelve pence in the pound, formerly granted
      to the crown on all goods exported or imported, and if by
      aliens, more. [Eng.] --Blackstone.
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   3. (Law) The sum allowed to a sheriff or other officer upon
      the amount realized by an execution; -- estimated in
      England, and formerly in the United States, at so much of
      the pound. --Burrill. Bouvier.
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Poundage \Pound"age\, v. t.
   To collect, as poundage; to assess, or rate, by poundage.
   [R.]
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Poundage \Pound"age\, n. [See 3d Pound.]
   1. Confinement of cattle, or other animals, in a public
      pound.
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   2. A charge paid for the release of impounded cattle.
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POUNDAGE, practice. The amount allowed to the sheriff, or other officer, for 
commissions on, the money made by virtue of an execution. This allowance 
varies in different states, and to different officers.