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| n. 1. a. A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people. b. The tradition or body of such practices: The respect that is by custom accorded to the king. 2. a. A habitual practice of a person: my custom of reading a little before sleep. See Synonyms at habit. b. Habitual manner or practice: I am not by custom a coffee drinker. 3. Law A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law. 4. Habitual patronage, as of a store: tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers. 5. customs a. Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods. b. (used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties. c. (used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency: go through customs. 6. Tribute, service, or rent paid by a feudal tenant to a lord. adj. 1. Made to order: custom suits. 2. Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods: a custom tailor. [Middle English custume, from Old French costume, from Vulgar Latin *cōnstūm(i)n-, alteration of Latin cōnsuētūdin-, oblique stem of cōnsuētūdō, custom, from cōnsuētus, past participle of cōnsuēscere, to accustom : com-, intensive prefix; see COM- + suēscere, to become accustomed; see s(w)e- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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