demurrage

Meaning

Noun

• the detention of a ship or other freight vehicle, during delayed loading or unloading
• compensation paid for such detention
• a charge made for exchanging currency for bullion

Related

Opposite words

• despatch

Origin

• 1640s, from Old French demorage, from demorer (English demur), from Latin demoror.
• Surface etymology is demur + -age, with doubled ‘r’ to clarify pronunciation and avoid ambiguity with demure.