fee
UK: fiː | US: fiː
n. a payment made for professional services or a privilege
n. (historical) an estate of land, especially one held on condition of feudal service
The word "fee" traces back to Old French fieu or feu, derived from the Medieval Latin feodum (meaning "fief" or "land held in exchange for service"). This Latin term itself evolved from Frankish fehu (meaning "cattle" or "property"), reflecting the early use of livestock as a form of wealth and payment. Over time, "fee" broadened from denoting feudal landholdings to encompass any payment for services or privileges, retaining its core association with transactional value.
The lawyer charged a hefty fee for his consultation.
The entrance fee to the museum was waived for children.
In medieval times, knights received land as a fee for their loyalty.
The membership fee must be paid annually.
She disputed the bank’s hidden fees on her account.