A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Watergavel is a historical term used to describe a fee paid for a benefit obtained from a body of water, such as fishing.

• A fisherman paid a watergavel to the local lord for the right to fish in the river.
• During medieval times, watergavel was a common way for landowners to earn money from their water resources.

These examples illustrate how watergavel was a way for people to gain access to water resources for their own benefit, while also providing a source of income for landowners.