smitham means small lumps of ore which free miners scavenged because small quantities were exempt from payment of taxes. The practice ended in 1760 when the Duke of Devonshire challenged the tax exemption. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 88 out of 100.
Etymology
Perhaps compare English smeddum (“fine powder, lump ore, etc.”).
noun
- Small lumps of ore which free miners scavenged because small quantities were exempt from payment of taxes. The practice ended in 1760 when the Duke of Devonshire challenged the tax exemption.