custom
Language: English
Part of speech: noun
Pronunciation: ipa: /ˈkʌstəm/
Forms: form: customs
Etymology: PIE word
 *ḱóm
 PIE word
 *swé
From Middle English custume, borrowed from Anglo-Norman custume, inherited from Latin consuētūdinem, a noun derived from cōnsuēscō, from con- (“with”) + suēscō (“become used or accustomed to”). Doublet of costume and consuetude.
The adjectival form first appears c. 1830.
Senses: examples: text: Much forbidden by elder custom is accepted today.
text: A custom
More honour'd in the breach than the observance.
ref: c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iv]:
text: 20 […] These men being Iewes, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customes which are not lawfull for vs to receiue, neither to obserue, being Romanes.
ref: 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Acts 16:20-21:
text: For first Mr. Dier's opinion was that the ancient custom for exportation was by the common laws; and goeth furder, that that ancient custom was the custom upon wools, woolfells, and leather.
ref: a. 1627 (date written), Francis Bacon, “A.D. 1610. Ætat. 50.”, in James Spedding, editor, The Works of Francis Bacon, […]: The Letters and the Life of Francis Bacon […], volume IV, London: Longmans, Green, Reader, and Dyer, published 1858, →OCLC, page 194:
text: Moved beyond his custom, Gama said
ref: 1847, Alfred Tennyson, “Part 6”, in The Princess: A Medley, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC:
glosses: Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
examples: text: Thank you for your custom.
text: Let him have your custom, but not your votes.
ref: 1710 September 28, Joseph Addison, The Whig Examiner, number 3:
qualifier: dated outside UK
glosses: Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
qualifier: dated outside UK
glosses: Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
examples: text: The distinction between custom and usage it that usage is a fact and custom is a law. There can be usage without custom, but not custom without usage.
ref: 1888, Francis Wharton, A Commentary on the Law of Evidence in Civil Issues, 3rd edition, volume 2, page 188:
topics: law
synonyms: usage
glosses: Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
examples: text: The Ancient Egyptian culture had many distinctive and interesting beliefs and customs; one custom was the mummification of the dead.
glosses: Traditional beliefs or rituals.
examples: text: The rest of the necklace holders finally came in! If you bought a custom from me thank you so much for your patience! I’m gonna try my best to crank them out as fast as possible
ref: 2019 May 31, Abella Art & Design, tweet
text: Oftentimes I have trouble finding enough women to buy customs from. Strangely enough, finding women to take hundreds of dollars for a selfie isn’t as easy as you’d think.
ref: 2020 July 28, “Paying for porn: How much is appropriate?”, in Slate Magazine:
glosses: A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, etc.
examples: text: Age can not wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety.
ref: c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]:
glosses: Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
examples: text: Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
ref: 1769, Bible, Authorised King James Version, Oxford standard text, Romans, xiii, 7
glosses: Toll, tax, or tribute.
Synonyms: fashion
folkway
habit
practice
usage
wone
wont
Derived terms: custom and practice
custom-built
custom car
custom house
customless
custom vehicle
grow a custom
heir by custom
kastom
suit custom
take one's custom elsewhere
Ulster custom