De*mur"rage (?), n. [Cf. OF. demorage delay. See Demur.] (Law) (a) The detention of a vessel by the freighter beyond the time allowed in her charter party for loading, unloading, or sailing. (b) The allowance made to the master or owner of the ship for such delay or detention.

The claim for demurrage ceases as soon as the ship is cleared out and ready for sailing.

&fist; The term is also applied to similar delays and allowances in land carriage, by wagons, railroads, etc.