smitham

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) Perhaps compare English smeddum (“fine powder, lump ore, etc.”).

Noun

smitham (uncountable)

  1. (UK, obsolete) Small lumps of ore which free miners scavenged because small quantities were exempt from payment of taxes. The practice ended in 1760 when the Duke of Devonshire challenged the tax exemption.

References
  • The Politics of Social Conflict: The Peak Country, 1520-1770 by Andy Wood published by Cambridge University Press
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