DEMURRAGE, in merchant shipping the sum payable by the freighter to the shipowner for detention of the vessel in port beyond the number of days allowed for the purpose of loading or unloading. (See AFFREIGHT MEN T: Charter-parties.) In rail way law the charge on detention of trucks; and in banking the charge per ounce made by the Bank of England in exchanging coin or notes for bullion. The word is derived from Fr. demeurer, to delay.