Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON'TRA-BAND, a. [It. contrabbando, contrary to proclamation, prohibited; Sp. contrabando; Fr. contrebande. See Ban.]

Prohibited. Contraband goods are such as are prohibited to be imported or exported, either by the laws of a particular kingdom or state, or by the law of nations, or by special treaties. In time of war, arms and munitions of war are not permitted by one belligerent, to be transported to the other, but are held to be contraband and liable to capture and condemnation.