Recent Examples on the WebIn 1536, when Henry VIII began dissolving the Catholic monasteries, Vaughan was given twelve messuages—houses with lands and adjacent buildings. Jamie Quatro, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2019
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin messuagium
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
messuage
noun
mes·suage ˈmes-wij
: a dwelling house with the adjacent buildings and curtilage and other adjoining lands used in connection with the household
History and Etymology for messuage
Anglo-French, probably alteration of Old French mesnage dwelling house, ultimately from Latin mansion-mansio habitation, dwelling, from manēre to remain, sojourn, dwell