Definition of postage

The term "postage" refers to the payment required for delivering mail or parcels through a postal service. The word's origin can be traced back to the 17th century when the first modern postal system was established in Europe. In the early days of postal services, letters were simply handed over to postal carriers for delivery, often without any compensation required. However, as the systems grew more complex and began covering greater distances, the cost of transportation needed to be addressed. In the British Empire, during the reign of King Charles II, the first formal postal charges were implemented in 1661, known as the "charge for conveyance". This term quickly evolved into "postage" as the word's root "post" relates to the Latin word for "sending". The concept has remained consistent since then, with postal authorities requiring payment for the conveyance of mail or packages. Overall, "postage" reflects the evolution of the postal industry, from an informal, locally-oriented service to a comprehensive international network that plays a vital role in global commerce and communication.