custom
UK[ˈkʌstəm]US[ˈkʌstəm]
n
A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time.
n
Regular dealings with a particular shop or business by a customer.
Etymology
The word 'custom' entered English in the 12th century from Anglo-French custume, which itself evolved from Latin consuetudo, meaning 'habit, usage, practice, tradition'. This Latin noun is derived from the verb consuescere, 'to accustom', formed from the intensive prefix con- and suescere, 'to become accustomed'. The core idea is of something that has become familiar or habitual through repeated use over time. The semantic journey reflects a shift from a personal habit to a collective social practice, and later, in commercial contexts, to the regular patronage of a business, which is itself a habitual practice.
Analysis
The word 'custom' is a simplex word derived from Anglo-French and Latin. It is not productively formed from smaller, separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
It is a local custom to celebrate the harvest with a festival.
The shop values its loyal custom.
He studied the marriage customs of the indigenous tribe.