demurrage

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a charge required as compensation for the delay of a ship or freight car or other cargo beyond its scheduled time of departure
  2. noun detention of a ship or freight car or other cargo beyond its scheduled time of departure

Etymology

1640s, from Old French demorage, from demorer (English demur), from Latin dēmorārī (“to tarry”). By surface analysis, demur (“delay”) + -age, with doubled ‘r’ to clarify pronunciation and avoid ambiguity with demure.

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