A tenth part. It referred to the tenth part of the harvest, or general agricultural produce, for the support of Church and clergyman. Tithes were also referred to as 'greater' and 'lesser' tithes: the greater were those of wood, corn, hay; the lesser comprised milling and fishing, salt-making and young animals. -
Cf. Tithing
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.