Scot And Lot
/skɒt ænd lɒt/noun
A historical phrase meaning a share of local taxes or public charges, especially the taxes owed by a member of a community.
Did you know?In medieval England, being a 'scot-and-lot' payer could help determine whether you counted as part of a borough’s political community, so taxes and citizenship were literally linked.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
sceot
“a contribution, payment, or tax”
Old English
OE
hlot
“a lot, portion, or share; originally something assigned by lot”
Middle English
English
scot and lot
“a local tax or contribution and the share assigned to pay it”
Late Middle Ages
English
scot-and-lot payer
“a person liable for local taxes and thus recognized as part of the community”
Modern English
English
scot and lot
“an archaic phrase for a share of taxes or dues”