Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

TALLY STICK

Tally stick: translation

A stick marked with cuts or notches, which indicated payment made, it was then cut in half lengthwise by the talliator so each party to the transaction had a copy of the exchange, in effect a receipt. These sticks were also used as money within departments of the *exchequer for instance. Tally sticks continued in use until 1826. [<Lat.talea= a stick] -
Cf.Tallage

  1. tally stick—tally stick translationa stick on which amounts of herring caught were registered in the Isle of Man. A notch was made for each basket of fish and a cut across four notc...Dictionary of ichthyology