Impost \Im"post\, n. [OF. impost, F. impot, LL. impostus,
         fr. L.
   impostus, p. p. of imponere to impose. See Impone.]
   1. That which
         is imposed or levied; a tax, tribute, or duty;
     
         especially, a duty or tax laid by goverment on goods
     
         imported into a country.
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            Even the ship money . . . Johnson could not
            pronounce to have been an unconstitutional impost.
                                                  --Macaulay.
     
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   2. (Arch.) The top member of a pillar,
         pier, wall, etc., upon
      which the weight of an arch
         rests.
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   Note: The impost is
         called continuous, if the moldings of the
         arch or architrave run down the jamb or pier without a
         break.

   Syn: Tribute; excise; custom; duty; tax.
     
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