general average loss:
(18c)

1. Marine underwriting. A loss at sea usually incurred when cargo is thrown overboard to save the ship; a loss due to the voluntary and intentional sacrifice of part of a venture (usually cargo) to save the rest of the venture from imminent peril.  *  Such a loss is borne equally by all the interests concerned in the venture.  See AVERAGE (3). [1]

1. See general average. [2]

1. See general average contribution. [3]

general average:

1. A contribution by all the parties in a sea adventure to make good the loss sustained by one of their number on account of sacrifices voluntary made of part of the ship or cargo to save the residue and the lives of those on board from an impending peril, or for extraordinary expenses necessarily incurred by one or more of the parties for the general benefit of all the interests embarked in the enterprise. An obligation resting upon the vessel, the cargo, and the freight, in proportion to their respective values, and upon the owners of each, in proportion to the value of their property at risk, and enforceable by resorting to a lien upon the property saved from the common peril, or by actions against the persons bound to contribute. 48 Am J1st Ship § 621.