​BORDAGE. (1) A nautical term (from Fr. bord, side) for the planking on a ship’s side. (2) A feudal term (from Lat. borda, a cottage) for the tenure by which a certain class of villein held ​their cottages; also the services due from these villeins or “bordars.” A “bordar” (Med. Lat. bardarius) was a villein who obtained a cottage from his lord in return for menial services (see Villenage).