or MARCHETTA, a pecuniary fine anciently paid by the tenant to his lord, for the marriage of one of the tenant's daughters. This custom obtained, with some difference, throughout all England and Wales, as also in Scotland; and it still continues to obtain in some places. According to the custom of the manor of Drovver in Caermarthenshire, every tenant at the marriage of his daughter pays ten shillings to the lord; which, in the British language, is called gwabr-merched, i.e. maid's fee.

In Scotland, and the north parts of England, the custom was, for the lord to lie the first night with the bride of his tenant; but this usage was abrogated by King Malcolm III. at the instance of his queen; and, instead thereof, a mark was paid by the bridegroom to the lord: whence it was called merchetta mulieris. See BOROUGH English.