impost

English

Etymology 1

through French impôt, from Latin impositus

Noun

impost (plural imposts)

1. a tax, tariff or duty etc. that is imposed. Unlike taxes, tariffs, or duties, the primary purpose of an impost is to dissuade countries from discriminating against the imports or shipping of other nations. If the trade is non-discriminatory, then no impost is generally levied. It is therefore not intended as a revenue source, but rather as a way to regulate commerce.
2. the weight that must be carried by a horse in a race, the handicap.

Translation

• Romanian impozit

See also

• imposter, impostor, impose

Etymology 2

through Italian imposta from Latin imposta

Noun

impost (plural imposts)

1. the top part of a column or pillar that supports an arch