gersum

plural gersums · alternative Scotland grassum

1. historicallawA lump sum paid by individuals who take a lease of landed property in England.

   Otherwise, the gersum was in ready money, and the bulk of the rent in uncoined silver.

   1858, James A. Morgan, “III: Money, Rent, and Agricultural Affairs”, in England under the Norman Occupation, London: Williams & Norgate, →OCLC, page 47

   2 more examples

   […]but now it paieth ſeauentie pounds by weight to the King, and an hundred ſhillings for a *Gerſume to the Queene;

   1610, William Camden, “Northfolke”, in Philémon Holland, transl., Britain, or A Chorographicall Description of the Most Flourishing Kingdomes, England, Scotland, and Ireland, […], London: […] [Eliot’s Court Press for] Georgii Bishop & Ioannis Norton, →OCLC, page 474

   In the latter sample, there are two joint grants, plus one made with the wife's consent. In two more , a gersum rendered to the wife is sole evidence of her participation.

   1996, Emma Mason, “Donors of Westminster Abbey Charters”, in Westminster Abbey and its people, c.1050-c.1216, Woodbridge, Suffolk: Boydell Press, →ISBN, page 315