custom
n
1 a usual or habitual practice; typical mode of behaviour
2 the long-established habits or traditions of a society collectively; convention
custom dictates good manners
a a practice which by long-established usage has come to have the force of law
b such practices collectively (esp. in the phrase custom and practice)
4 habitual patronage, esp. of a shop or business
5 the customers of a shop or business collectively
6 (in feudal Europe) a tribute paid by a vassal to his lord
adj
7 made to the specifications of an individual customer (often in the combinations custom-built, custom-made)
8 specializing in goods so made,
(See also)
→
customs (C12: from Old French costume, from Latin consuetudo, from consuescere to grow accustomed to, from suescere to be used to)
custom-built
adj (of cars, houses, etc.) made according to the specifications of an individual buyer
custom house , customs house
n a government office, esp. at a port, where customs are collected and ships cleared for entry
custom-made
adj (of suits, dresses, etc.) made according to the specifications of an individual buyer