Standard Lemma guide

bottomry

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An early form of maritime contract in which the owner of a ship could borrow money using the ship as collateral.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Topics: nautical, transport

Examples

  • 1999 [1880], John Bouvier, Daniel A. Gleason, Institutes of American Law, Volume 1, New Edition, page 309, There is much resemblance between bottomry and insurance. In one, the lender takes the risks, and in the other, the insurer. [...] If these contracts resemble each other, there are also many differences between them. In bottomry, the lender actually furnishes a certain sum of money; in insurance, the insurer furnishes nothing; on the contrary, he receives a premium, which is frequently paid to him at the time of the agreement, but which when it is not paid in cash is a claim which he may assign, or for which he may procure a guaranty.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From bottom + -ry; see bottom (“hull”).

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: bodinerie — Translations
  • French: bomerie — Translations
  • Polish: bodmeria — Translations
  • Spanish: préstamo a la gruesa ventura — Translations