Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CUS'TOM, n.² [Fr. coutume, from coûter, for couster, to cost.]

Tribute, toll, or tax; that is, cost or charge paid to the public. Render custom to whom custom is due. – Rom. xiii. Customs, in the plural, the duties imposed by law on merchandise imported or exported. In Great Britain and the United Stales, this word is limited to these species of duties.