Search Result for "gabel": 

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Gabel \Ga"bel\, n. [F. gabelle, LL. gabella, gabulum, gablum; of uncertain origin. Cf.Gavel tribute.] (O. Eng. Law) A rent, service, tribute, custom, tax, impost, or duty; an excise. --Burrill. [1913 Webster] He enables St. Peter to pay his gabel by the ministry of a fish. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

GABEL. A tax, imposition, or duty. This word is said to have the same signification that gabelle formerly had in France. Cunn. Dict. h. t. But this seems to be an error for gabelle signified in that country, previously to its revolution, a duty upon salt. Merl. Rep. h. t. Lord Coke says, that gabel or gavel, gablum, gabellum, gabelletum, galbelletum, and gavillettum signify a rent, duty, or service, yielded or done to the king or any other lord. Co. Litt. 142, a.