jan 1, 1694 - task

Description:

The phrase ‘by task’ was a reference to piece-work, and in <i>c</i>.1570 John Kaye wrote <i>owt with thy plowghe Lett taskers thresh more strawe</i> (KayeCP). Employers would take on men at such rates under certain conditions. 1690 <i>by Taske</i>; 1694 <i>paid for getting by Taske</i>, Farnley (MS11). The word has a much longer history and is the origin of the surname Tasker: 1341 <i>Thomas Tasker</i>, Ousthorpe (YAJ17/107); 1379 <i>Johannes Tasker</i>, Sprotbrough (PTWR). Found also in a minor place-name: 1544 <i>un claus’ voc’ Taskerrod,</i> Whitley (WBE/7).

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