impost Definition

impost¹
noun

1. chiefly old use
A tax, especially one on imports.
2. colloq
The weight carried by a horse in a handicap race (see handicap noun 3).

Etymology: 16c: French, from Latin imponere; see impose.

---

impost²
noun

1. archit.
The upper part of a pillar, where the weight of the arch, vault, etc rests.

Etymology: 17c: from French imposte, from Italian imposta, from Latin impositus imposed or placed on.