consuetude

American  

[kon-swi-tood, -tyood] / ˈkɒn swɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. custom, especially as having legal force.

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consuetude British  

/ ˈkɒnswɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. an established custom or usage, esp one having legal force

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Other Word Forms

• consuetudinary adjective

Etymology

Origin of consuetude

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French consuetude, a learned borrowing or Latinism from Latin consuētūd(o), “custom, habit, usage, social intercourse, illicit affair,” equivalent to con- con- + suē- (root of suēscere “to accustom, become accustomed,” akin to suus “one's own”) + -tūdō -tude

Example Sentences

It is right that we should look before we leap, but it is gross misconduct to neglect duty to conform to the consuetudes of the hour.

From Project Gutenberg

For the present he swept the skies leisurely, feasting on the infinite wonders which no consuetude could render commonplace.

From Project Gutenberg

"Yet bethink thee, reverend father," said Mont-Fitchet, "the stain hath become engrained by time and consuetude; let thy reformation be cautious, as it is just and wise."

From Project Gutenberg

Let us suck the sweetness of those affections and consuetudes that grow near us.

From Project Gutenberg