custom

Where does the word "custom" come from? It comes from Latin consuetudo, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Custom’s story begins in Latin: consuetudo meant “habit, usage.” 'com-' plus 'suescere', to become used to. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as costume. The same word later gave 'costume', a customary dress. It reached English by 1200s as custom. 'customs' for import duties came from customary tolls. Today, custom means a traditional way of behaving.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient consuetudo "habit, usage", 'com-' plus 'suescere', to become used to.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval costume "custom, habit", the same word later gave 'costume', a customary dress.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s custom "habit; duty paid", 'customs' for import duties came from customary tolls.