octroi

[ ok-troi; French awk-trwa ]

noun

, plural oc·trois [ok, -troiz, awk-, trwa].

1. (formerly especially in France and Italy) a local tax levied on certain articles, such as foodstuffs, on their entry into a city.
2. the place at which such a tax is collected.
3. the officials collecting it.
4. the act of a sovereign in granting to subjects a constitution or other charter.

octroi

/ ˈɒktrwɑː /

noun

1. (in some European countries, esp France) a duty on various goods brought into certain towns or cities
2. the place where such a duty is collected
3. the officers responsible for its collection

Word History and Origins

Origin of octroi¹

1605–15; < French, noun derivative of octroyer to grant, partial Latinization of Old French otreier < Medieval Latin auctorizāre; authorize

Word History and Origins

Origin of octroi¹

C17: from French octroyer to concede, from Medieval Latin auctorizāre to authorize

Example Sentences

These localities were free as regards customs duties, although dues of the nature of octroi charges were often levied.

From Project Gutenberg

A few duties are, however, levied, which are really octroi rather than customs charges.

From Project Gutenberg

Then they will probably ask to see our papers at the octroi?

From Project Gutenberg

The octroi officials looked curiously at the shuffling, stooping figure as he went by, and one of them laughed.

From Project Gutenberg

The octroi, in its present form, is a comparatively modern institution.

From Project Gutenberg