AGIST, in Law.—To agist, signifies to take in, and feed, the cattle of strangers, in the King’s forest; and gather the money due for the same. See AGISTOR.The word is also extended to the taking in of other men's cattle, in any man's ground; at a certain rate per week.It is also used metaphorically for a charge or burden on any thing.—In this sense, we meet with Terre ad Custodiam Maris Agistate, i.e. charged with a tribute to keep out the sea. Selden. Mare Clausum—So, Terre Agistate, are lands whose owners are bound to keep up the sea-banks, Spelman.The word is formed of the French Gîte, a bed, or lying-place.
