Cus·tom n.
1. Frequent repetition of the same act; way of acting common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing or living.
And teach customs which are not lawful. --Acts xvi. 21.
Moved beyond his custom, Gama said. --Tennyson.
A custom
More honored in the breach than the observance. --Shak.
2. Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
Let him have your custom, but not your votes. --Addison.
3. Law Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Note: ☞ Usage is a fact. Custom is a law. There can be no custom without usage, though there may be usage without custom.
4. Familiar aquaintance; familiarity. [Obs.]
Age can not wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety. --Shak.
Custom of merchants, a system or code of customs by which affairs of commerce are regulated.
General customs, those which extend over a state or kingdom.
Particular customs, those which are limited to a city or district; as, the customs of London.
Syn: -- Practice; fashion. See Habit, and Usage.