octroi

American  

[ok-troi, awk-trwa] / ˈɒk trɔɪ, ɔkˈtrwa /

noun

plural

octrois

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.

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octroi British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of octroi

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

Example Sentences

At Lyons the octroi tax has been abolished.

From The Automobilist Abroad by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

Sometimes I went with some of my young friends hors de la barrière, that is, outside Paris, outside the barrier where the octroi has to be paid on meat, wine, &c.

From My Autobiography A Fragment by Müller, F. Max (Friedrich Max)

They presented themselves to the Austrian government of the Netherlands, at Bruxelles; they were admitted under an octroi, the most solemn act of that government, and they established themselves in the city of Bruges.

From The New Conspiracy Against the Jesuits Detected and Briefly Exposed with a short account of their institute; and observations on the danger of systems of education independent of religion by Dallas, R. C. (Robert Charles)

They are, therefore, allowed to store them, under the supervision of the octroi, and pay as they are sold.

From Paris From the Earliest Period to the Present Day; Volume 2 by Walton, William

However, Denver has no octroi, nor is the Denver gate a barrier.

From Abroad at Home American Ramblings, Observations, and Adventures of Julian Street by Street, Julian