1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Primage

PRIMAGE (adopted from the Fr. primage, from prime, recompense, Lat. praemium, reward), a commercial term signifying originally a small customary payment over and above the freight made to the master of the ship for his care and trouble. It is now generally included in the freight, as an additional percentage. It varies according to the usages of different ports and particular trades.