n.
Pronunciation: ' ek- ˌ s ī z, - ˌ s ī s
Function: noun
Etymology: obsolete Dutch excijs (now accijns ), from Middle Dutch, probably modification of Old French assise session, assessment ― more at ASSIZE
Date: 15th century
1 : an internal tax levied on the manufacture, sale, or consumption of a commodity
2 : any of various taxes on privileges often assessed in the form of a license or fee