custom
/ˈkʌstəm/ noun A2- Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving. · Much forbidden by elder custom is accepted today.
- Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor. · Thank you for your custom.
- The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
- Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
- Traditional beliefs or rituals. · The Ancient Egyptian culture had many distinctive and interesting beliefs and customs; one custom was the mummification of the dead.
- A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, etc.
Plural customs
From the library
Is it the custom in Marseilles for sons to keep their fathers waiting in their anterooms?”
He ordered the drawbridge to be pulled up every night because it was the ancient custom of the old house, and he liked to keep the old ways up.
“Now the mischief is out; depend upon it the custom-house people went rummaging about the ship in our absence, and discovered poor Dantès’ hidden treasures.”
Immediately, and according to custom, the ramparts of Fort Saint-Jean were covered with spectators; it is always an event at Marseilles for a ship to come into port, especially when this ship, like the Pharaon, has been built, rigged, and laden at the old Phocée docks, and belongs to an owner of the city.
Other matches
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