Customs
A Dictionary of Law · Henry Campbell Black · 1891
A Dictionary of Law
This term is usually applied to those taxes which are payable upon goods and merchandise imported or exported.
Story, Const. § 949; Bac. Abr, “Smuggling.”
The duties, toll, tribute, or tariff payable upon merchandise exported or imported. These are called “customs” from having been paid from time immemorial. Expressed in law Latin by custuma, as distinguished from consuetudines, which are usages merely. 1 Bi. Comm, 314, CUSTOMS AND SERVICES annexed to the tenure of lands are those which the tenants thereof ows unto their lords, and which, if withheld, the lord might anciently have resorted to “a writ of customs and services” to compel them.
Cowell.
But at the present day he would merely proceed to eject the tenant as upon a forfeiture, or claim damages for the subtraction.
Brown,