WAGE (3)

Wage, n. [[OF. wage, gage, guarantee, engagement. See Wage, v. t. ]] 1. 1. That which is staked or ventured; that for which one incurs risk or danger; prize; gage. “That warlike wage.” Spenser.
2. 2. That for which one labors; meed; reward; stipulated payment for service performed; hire; pay; compensation; — at present generally used in the plural. See Wages. “My day's wage.” Sir W. Scott. “At least I earned my wage.” Thackeray. “Pay them a wage in advance.” J. Morley. “The wages of virtue.” Tennyson.
By Tom Thumb, a fairy page, He sent it, and doth him engage, By promise of a mighty wage, It secretly to carry. Drayton. Our praises are our wages. Shak. Existing legislation on the subject of wages. Encyc. Brit. ☞ Wage is used adjectively and as the first part of compounds which are usually self-explaining; as, wage worker, or wage-worker; wage-earner, etc. Board wages. See under 1st Board. Syn. — Hire; reward; stipend; salary; allowance; pay; compensation; remuneration; fruit.