from
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]
from
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.