customs

cus-toms · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The traditional practices or behaviors of a particular society or group.

  2. 2.

    The official department that administers and collects duties on imported goods.

  3. 3.

    The taxes or duties imposed on imported or exported goods.

  4. 4.

    The place at a port, airport, or border where officials check incoming goods and travelers.

Related words

See also: border, custom, tariff
Synonyms: duties, tariffs, traditions

Etymology

From Old French custume, from Latin consuetudo meaning "habit, usage." The governmental sense developed from the medieval practice of collecting customary dues on trade goods.