EXCISE.
The following curious document gives the opinion of Lord Mansfield, when Attorney-General, upon Dr. Johnson’s definition of the word Excise:—
Case.
Mr. Samuel Johnson has lately published a book, entitled A Dictionary of the English Language, in which the words are deduced from their originals, and illustrated in their different significations by examples from the best writers. To which are prefixed a history of the Language, and an English grammar.
Under the title “Excise” are the following words:—
Excise, n. s. (accijs Dutch; excisum, Latin,) a hateful tax levied upon commodities and adjudged not by the common judges of property, but wretches hired by those to whom Excise is paid.
The people should pay a ratable tax for their sheep, and an
Excise for every thing which they should eat.—Hayward.
Ambitious now to take excise
Of a more fragrant paradise.—Cleveland.