Stamp Act

noun

, American History.

1. an act of the British Parliament for raising revenue in the American Colonies by requiring the use of stamps and stamped paper for official documents, commercial writings, and various articles: it was to go into effect on November 1, 1765, but met with intense opposition and was repealed in March, 1766.

Stamp Act

noun

1. a law passed by the British Parliament requiring all publications and legal and commercial documents in the American colonies to bear a tax stamp (1765): a cause of unrest in the colonies

Stamp Act

1. A law passed by the British government in 1765 that required the payment of a tax to Britain on a great variety of papers and documents, including newspapers, that were produced in the American colonies. Special stamps were to be attached to the papers and documents as proof that the tax had been paid. The stamp tax was the first direct tax ever levied by Britain on the Americans, who rioted in opposition. The American colonists petitioned King George III to repeal the act, which he did in 1766.

Example Sentences

The Federal Duck Stamp Act raised the fee on stamps needed to hunt waterfowl on federal land from $15 to $25.

From The Daily Beast

Of the 27 members of the Stamp Act Congress, few if any were inclined to rash or venturesome measures.

From Project Gutenberg

On the 13th of February the Stamp Act bill was introduced and read for the first time, without debate.

From Project Gutenberg

They professed a decided preference for nullifying the Stamp Act without violating it.

From Project Gutenberg

Against the Stamp Act, honorable members were reminded, there was a special objection to be urged.

From Project Gutenberg

These resolves condemned the Stamp Act and defiantly acclaimed the rights which they considered essential to civil liberty.

From Project Gutenberg