I. ˈkəstəˌmerē, -ri adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin customarius, from Old French costumier, from Late Latin consuetudinarius, from Latin consuetudin-, consuetudo habit + -arius -ary — more at custom
1. law
a. : liable or subject to, or holding by payment of, customs or dues
customary tenure
customary lands
: fixed by custom
customary rent
b. : holding or held by or owing validity as law to custom
customary tenants
customary services
2. : agreeing with custom : established by custom : commonly practiced, used, or observed : familiar through long use or acquaintance
events that are familiar and customary are those we are least likely to reflect upon — John Dewey
incensed at a refusal of customary marks of courtesy — W.R.Inge
3. of a verb form or aspect : expressing habitual action
Synonyms: see usual
II. noun
( -es )
Etymology: Medieval Latin, customarium, from neuter of customarius, adjective
1. : a book or body of customary laws (as of a manor or district)
2. : consuetudinary
3. : the customary aspect of a verb : a customary form of a verb