GAGE, in our ancient customs, signifies a pledge or pawn, given by way of security. The word is only properly used in speaking of moveables; for immovables, hypotheca is used.
If the gage perish, the person who received it is not to answer for it, but only for extreme negligence, &c.
GAGE is also used for a challenge to combat: (See CARTEL). In which sense, it was a pledge, which the accuser or challenger cast on the ground, and the other took up as accepting the challenge; it was usually a glove, gauntlet, chaperoon, or the like. See COMBAT, and DUEL.