Custom

Custom - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

A tax imposed by the Romans. The tax-gatherers were termed publicans (q.v.), who had their stations at the gates of cities, and in the public highways, and at the place set apart for that purpose, called the "receipt of custom" (Matt. 9: 9; Mark 2:14), where they collected the money that was to be paid on certain goods (Matt. 17:25). These publicans were tempted to exact more from the people than was lawful, and were, in consequence of their extortions, objects of great hatred. The Pharisees would have no intercourse with them (Matt. 5:46, 47; 9:10, 11).

A tax or tribute (q.v.) of half a shekel was annually paid by every adult Jew for the temple. It had to be paid in Jewish coin (Matt. 22:17-19; Mark 12:14, 15). Money-changers (q.v.) were necessary, to enable the Jews who came up to Jerusalem at the feasts to exchange their foreign coin for Jewish money; but as it was forbidden by the law to carry on such a traffic for emolument (Deut. 23:19, 20), our Lord drove them from the temple (Matt. 21:12: Mark 11:15).

Custom - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

CUSTOM, n. [L.]

1. Frequent or common use, or practice; a frequent repetition o the same act; hence, way; established manner; habitual practice.

The prists custom with the people was--- 1 Sam 2.

We have no such custom. 1 Cor 11.

The customs of the people are vain. Jer 10.

2. A buying of goods; practice of frequenting a shop and purchasing or procuring to be done.

Let him have your custom, but not your votes.

The shopkeeper has extensive custom, or a good run of custom. A mill or a manufacturer has extensive custom, or little custom.

3. In law, long established practice, or usage, which constitutes the unwritten law, and long consent to which gives it authority. Customs are general, which extend over a state or kingdom, and particular, which are limited to a city or district.

CUSTOM, v.t

1. To make familiar. [See Accustom, which is the word used.]

2. To give custom to.

CUSTOM, n. Tribute, toll or tax; that is, cost or charge paid to the public.

Render custom to whom custom is due. Rom 13.

Customs, in the plural, the duties imposed by law on merchandize imported or exported. IN Great Britain and the United States, this word is limited to these species of duties.