customs
UK: ˈkʌstəmz | US: ˈkʌstəmz
n. 1. The official department that administers and collects taxes levied on imported goods.
n. 2. (Plural of custom) Traditional practices or habitual ways of behaving specific to a society or group.
The word custom originates from Old French costume (meaning "habit, practice"), derived from Latin consuetudo ("habit, usage"). Over time, it evolved to refer to both social traditions and governmental taxes on trade (as taxes were based on long-standing practices). The plural form customs specifically denotes the institutionalized system of import/export duties, reflecting its historical tie to habitual trade regulations.
She declared her purchases at customs upon arriving in the country.
The customs officer inspected the luggage for prohibited items.
Local customs vary greatly between regions.
He struggled to adapt to the customs of his new workplace.
The ancient customs of the tribe were documented by anthropologists.