Definition of: custom

(kus′təm) noun
1. An ordinary or usual manner of doing or acting.
2. The habitual practice of a community or people; common usage.
3. Law An old and general usage that has obtained the force of law.
4. Customary frequenting, as of a hotel, or habitual purchase, as of goods, staple commodities, etc., at a particular place; business support; patronage.
5. A tariff or duty assessed by law, levied upon goods imported or exported; hence, any regular toll or tax: in the first of these senses always plural.
6. plural The former ritual sacrifice of human victims in Ashanti and Dahomey, on the death of a chief or king.
7. Customary rent, tribute, or service due from a feudal tenant to his lord.
—adjective
1. Made to order: also cus′tom-built′, cus′·tom–made.
2. Specializing in made–to–order goods: a custom tailor.
3. From or for customers: custom ore; a custom smelter. [<OF custume <L consuetudo <com- thoroughly + suescere become used to. Doublet of COSTUME.] Synonyms (noun): fashion, habit, manner, practice, style, use.
See HABIT, TAX.