I. ˈkəs-təm noun
Etymology: Middle English custume, from Anglo-French, from Latin consuetudin-, consuetudo, from consuescere to accustom, from com- + suescere to accustom; akin to suus one's own — more at suicide
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : a usage or practice common to many or to a particular place or class or habitual with an individual
b. : long-established practice considered as unwritten law
c. : repeated practice
d. : the whole body of usages, practices, or conventions that regulate social life
2. plural
a. : duties, tolls, or imposts imposed by the sovereign law of a country on imports or exports
b. usually singular in construction : the agency, establishment, or procedure for collecting such customs
3.
a. : business patronage
b. : usually habitual patrons : customers
Synonyms: see habit
II. adjective
Date: 1830
1. : made or performed according to personal order
2. : specializing in custom work or operation
a custom tailor