impost

¹ American  

[im-pohst] / ˈɪm poʊst /

noun

1. a tax; tribute; duty.

2. a customs duty.

3. Horse Racing. the weight assigned to a horse in a race.

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verb (used with object)

1. to determine customs duties on, according to the kind of imports.

impost ² American  

[im-pohst] / ˈɪm poʊst /

noun

Architecture.

1. the point of springing of an arch; spring.

2. an architectural feature immediately beneath this point.

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impost ¹ British  

/ ˈɪmpəʊst /

noun

1. a tax, esp a customs duty

2. horse racing the specific weight that a particular horse must carry in a handicap race

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verb

1. (tr) to classify (imported goods) according to the duty payable on them

impost ² British  

/ ˈɪmpəʊst /

noun

1. architect a member at the top of a wall, pier, or column that supports an arch, esp one that has a projecting moulding

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Other Word Forms

• imposter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of impost¹

1560–70; < Medieval Latin impostus a tax, noun use of Latin impostus, variant of impositus imposed; see imposition

Origin of impost²

1655–65; < French imposte < Italian imposta < Latin: feminine of impostus (past participle); see impost ¹

Example Sentences

About 42% of Americans say the economy and cost of living is the most impost important issue facing the country today, a CNN poll External link this month found.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

He tells clients in a note that a sale for A$500 million plus appropriate brand value, with only a modest capital gains tax impost, would be positively received by investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

In January 1790, his “Report on the Public Credit” revived Robert Morris’s earlier call for a funded public debt, guaranteed by the impost and new taxes on coffee, tea, and imported alcohol.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

She defied a penalty at Lingfield last time with ease and another 6lb impost for that victory is unlikely to stop her such was the manner of her success.

From The Guardian • Jan. 23, 2013

Everyone was waiting for the impost announcement for the New Year’s Handicap.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand