The action of lade, v.; the loading of a ship with its cargo; the bailing or ladling out of water, etc. bill of lading (see bill, n.3 compounds 1).

The carriage of goods by ship; the hiring out of a ship for the carriage of goods.

The action of loading a vessel, etc. ? Obsolete.

The hire of a vessel for the transport of goods; cost of conveyance of goods (originally, by water; now extended, esp. in U.S., to land-transit).

The action of load, v.; the placing of a load or cargo in a vehicle, vessel, etc. †bill of loading = bill of lading (see bill, n.3 compounds 1).