customhouse (kustumhous)

1. A governmental office located at a point of exportation and importation, as a seaport, for the collection of customs, the clearance of ve els, etc. Abbreviated C. H. This is the building which acted at once in the characters of mint and custom - house , the second character being set forth by its name wrought in nails on the great door. E. A. Freeman , Venice, p. 252. 2. The whole governmental establishment by means of which the customs revenue is collected and its regulations are enforced. - Customhouse broker, a person who acts for importers and shipowners in transacting their busine at the custom-house.