TAX

Definitions

1. 1. A charge, especially a pecuniary burden which is imposed by authority. Specifically: --
2. 2. A charge or burden laid upon persons or property for the support of a government. A farmer of taxes is, of all creditors, proverbially the most rapacious. Macaulay.
3. 3. Especially, the sum laid upon specific things, as upon polls, lands, houses, income, etc.; as, a land tax; a window tax; a tax on carriages, and the like.
4. 4. A sum imposed or levied upon the members of a society to defray its expenses.
5. 5. A task exacted from one who is under control; a contribution or service, the rendering of which is imposed upon a subject.
6. 6. A disagreeable or burdensome duty or charge; as, a heavy tax on time or health.
7. 7. Charge; censure. [Obs.] Clarendon.
8. 8. A lesson to be learned; a task. [Obs.] Johnson. Tax cart, a spring cart subject to a low tax. [Eng.]