Shĭp'-mȯn'ey, n.

n. (Eng. Hist.) An imposition formerly charged on the ports, towns, cities, boroughs, and counties, of England, for providing and furnishing certain ships for the king's service. The attempt made by Charles I. to revive and enforce this imposition was resisted by John Hampden, and was one of the causes which led to the death of Charles. It was finally abolished.

Former princes had raised ship-money only in time of war: it was now exacted in a time of profound peace. Macaulay.