Gabel
/ˈɡeɪbəl/noun
An obsolete term for a tax, levy, or customs duty, especially one imposed on salt.
Did you know?The French salt gabelle became so hated that evading it was widespread, and enforcement could involve searches, imprisonment, and severe penalties before the French Revolution.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Latin
Latin
gabella
“A tax, levy, or customs duty; the precise earlier source is uncertain, though Arabic influence is often proposed.”
13th Century
Old French
gabelle
“A tax or duty, especially a levy on salt.”
13th–14th Century
Italian
gabella
“A tax, toll, or customs charge.”
14th Century
English
gabel
“A tax, tribute, or impost.”
Early Modern English
English
gabel
“An obsolete levy or duty, particularly a tax on commodities such as salt.”