Contraband
Pronunciation
- US IPA: /ˈkɒn.tɹəˌbænd/
Origin
From Middle French contrebande.
Noun
contraband
(usually uncountable; plural contrabands)- (uncountable) any goods which are illicit or illegal to possess
- (uncountable) goods which are prohibited from being traded, smuggled goods
- (countable, US, historical) A black slave during the American Civil War who had escaped to, or been captured by, Union forces.
- 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, Oxford 2003, p. 497:While some Yanks treated contrabands with a degree of equity or benevolence, the more typical response was indifference, contempt, or cruelty.
Full definition of contraband
Adjective
contraband
- prohibited from being traded
- 1940 – The Code of Federal Regulations of the United States of America: Having ... – Division of the Federal Register, the National Archives – Page 2191"... when the seizure is made in connection with a violation involving a contraband article covered by section 1 (b) (1) of the said Act; ..."
- 1953 – United States, United States. President, United States. Congress – United States Code Congressional and Administrative News – Page 2039"The exclusion of mandatory payment of moieties for seizures of contraband controlled substances is accomplished through Section 17 of the bill, ..."
- 1899 – Albert William Chaster – The Powers, Duties and Liabilities of Executive Officers as Between These ... – Stevens and Haynes – Page 55"4. Contraband goods may be seized if found in a river before they are landed or offered for sale."