custom house

or custom·house, customs house, customs·house

noun

1. a government building or office, as at a seaport, for collecting customs, clearing vessels, etc.

custom house

noun

1. a government office, esp at a port, where customs are collected and ships cleared for entry

Word History and Origins

Origin of custom house¹

First recorded in 1480–90

Example Sentences

In 1634 he also prohibited the landing of tobacco any where except at the quay near the custom house in London.

From Project Gutenberg

In no part of the world,” he assured us, “were the Custom-house officers so strict, and the penalties so heavy.

From Project Gutenberg

Cebú is a port of entry open to foreign trade, with a Custom-house established since the year 1863.

From Project Gutenberg

The import and export duties are paid at the custom-house, between which and the treasury a monthly settlement takes place.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most daring exploits of these armed bands of smugglers was the famous attack upon the custom-house at Poole.

From Project Gutenberg