Scouting (in the English language scutage, from the medieval Latin scutagium and east of the classic Latin scutum - "shield" -) is a feudal right derived from the obligation of auxilium that has the vassal: to follow its feudal lord to the war. In this case the vassal has to run on his own with the expenses involved; given that the lord has previously provided him with a "tenure" (tenure or fief); with which the military contribution that is demanded to him will be in proportion with the importance of such tenure. From the eleventh century onwards, it was common to avoid this commitment in exchange for the delivery of a cash amount, considered equivalent to the required military effort. It was very frequent in the kingdom of England of the Middle Ages (centuries XI-XIII).
In the Hispanic Monarchy, the tax called "lances" had an identical justification. Bibliography
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