Metayer System

Metayer system, under this, the land is divided in small farms, among single families, the landlord generally supplying the stock which the agricultural system of the country is considered to require, and receiving, in lieu of rent and profit, a fixed proportion of the produce. This proportion, which is generally paid in kind, is usually (as in implied in the words metayer, mezzajuolo, and medietarius) one-half, 1 Mill's Pol. Econ. 296 and 363; and Smith's Wealth of Nat., bk. Iii. c. ii.